Fusion Reactions and Matter-Antimatter Annihilation for Space Propulsion
Abstract
Magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF are critically contrasted in the context of far-distant travels throughout solar system. Both are shown to potentially display superior capabilities for vessel maneuvring at high speed, which are unmatched by standard cryogenic propulsion (SCP). Costs constraints seem less demanding than for ground-based power plants. Main issue is the highly problematic takeoff from earth, in view of safety hazards concomitant to ratioactive spills in case of emergency. So, it is recommended to assemble the given powered vessel at high earth altitude ~ 700 km, above upper atmosphere. Fusion propulsion is also compared to fission powered one, which secures a factor of two improvement over SCP. As far a specific impulse (sec) is considered, one expects 500-3000 from fission and as much as 104 - 105 from fusion through deuterium-tritium. Next, we turn attention to the most performing fusion reaction, i.e. protonantiproton annihilation with specific impulse ~ 103 - 106 and thrust-to-weight ratio ~ 10-3 - 1. Production and costs are timely reviewed. The latter could drop by 4 orders of magnitude, which is possible with successful MCF or ICF. Appropriate vessel designs will be presented for fusion as well as for antimatter propulsion. In particuclar, ICAN-II project to Mars in 30 days with fusion catalyzed by 140 ng of antiprotons will be detailed (specific impulse ~ 13500 sec).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446638
Entities
People
- Claude Deutsch
Organizations
- National Center for Scientific Research