U.S. based RocketStar has produced a nuclear fusion pulsed plasma electric propulsion unit. This new concept is called the FireStar Drive and is moving forward the present technologies in spacecraft engines and propulsion and may be superior to hydrogen-based systems in certain areas.
The FireStar is a water-driven pulsed plasma thrust that uses one type of aneutronic nuclear fusion to enhance the performance. The base of the thrust of the FireStar Drive produces high speed protons by converting water vapor through ionization.
These protons impact the nucleus of a boron atom, where it fuses and changes into high energy instance of carbon, which rots into three alpha parts. This fusion process happens in the exhaust of the thruster and is improved.
RocketStar’s fusion has enhanced the propulsion system and has showcased a performance improvement over the conventional electric thrusters such as:
- Thrust Enhancement: testing shows that the unit is 50 percent which is more efficient than basic throbbing drives.
- Efficiency: the fusion process in the exhaust plume is like the after-burning chamber of a jet, and the efficiency of thrust is increased.
- Fuel Efficiency: has a main application of water as the main fluid in the FireStar Drive opens the possibilities of fuel storage and fuel management.
- Radiation Output: the fusion causes the emission of the alpha particles and gamma rays, which are signs that go with the fusion in that system.
The idea of the thrust was drawn up on a Napkin by the CEO of RocketStar’s Chris Craddock at a conference in Florida. The FireStar Drive has shown that the norms from other branches of physics and engineering is possible to achieve harmony, specifically, electronic propulsion and nuclear fusion. There is a potential of using water as the major thrusting fluid, which could spacecrafts ecological imprint.
Even though this engine is not designed for cars, it opens a way for future versions that can be used in terrestrial vehicles, expanding the choices for zero-emission technology.
Main Image: ECOticias
