Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Space radiation protection: Destination Mars

“…In view of the presumable initial mass of the interplanetary vehicle (≈100-300 metric tons), thrust ∼10 3 kN would be required to impart sufficiently large trans-orbital momentum. Since jet power scales with (I sp ) 3 , thrust of the order 10 3 kN and I sp around 1000 seconds imply power in the 10 6 kW range (Czysz and Bruno, 2009). Reducing the transit time to about one month using GW electric power engines (Fig.…”

Achieving a long-lived high-beta plasma state by energetic beam injection

“…The high-b property also allows the use of advanced fusion fuels 7,8 . These features, coupled with its unique linear exhaust capability, also make the FRC a highly attractive candidate vehicle for deep-space explorations 9 .…”

Advanced Propulsion Systems and Technologies, Today to 2020

“…The fi rst choice is the type of propulsion system. The options are basically only two: all rocket-based propulsion systems and some form of airbreathing combined with pure chemical rocket propulsion (rocket-based combined cycles, or RBCC) [56].…”