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Mars manned fusion spaceshipFusion Propulsion has an enormous potential for space exploration in the near future. In the twenty-first century, a usable and efficient fusion rocket will be developed and in use. Because of the great distance between other planets and Earth, efficient use of time, fuel, and payload is essential. A nuclear spaceship would provide greater fuel efficiency, less travel time, and a larger payload. Extended missions would give more time for research, experiments, and data acquisition. With the extended mission time, a need for an artificial environment exists. The topics of magnetic fusion propulsion, living modules, artificial gravity, mass distribution, space connection, and orbital transfer to Mars are discussed. The propulsion system is a magnetic fusion reactor based on a tandem mirror design. This allows a faster, shorter trip time and a large thrust to weight ratio. The fuel proposed is a mixture of deuterium and helium-3. Helium-3 can be obtained from lunar mining. There will be minimal external radiation from the reactor resulting in a safe, efficient propulsion system.
Document ID
19910013919
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Hedrick, James
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Buchholtz, Brent
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Ward, Paul
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Freuh, Jim
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Jensen, Eric
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-188215
NAS 1.26:188215
Accession Number
91N23232
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG3-1200
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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