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Second round of Launch Pad selections includes eight newcomers
The National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory has announced 13 project selections across 12 companies for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, a Department of Energy–led program that integrates reactor and fuel facility authorization, testing, and deployment support for private nuclear developers.
The Launch Pad emerged from the Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program.
According to INL, projects selected include reactor development and nuclear fuel cycle advancements, including fabrication, enrichment, and conversion technologies.
J.F. Santarius
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 3 | May 1992 | Pages 1794-1801
Alternate Concept and Application | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29980
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Magnetic fusion could enable the efficient, large-scale exploration and development of the Solar System. Several conceptual fusion reactor design studies indicate that magnetic fusion may be attractive for space applications—particularly space propulsion. These designs, based on various configurations, share the common characteristics that: (1) the D-3He fuel cycle is used, (2) the plasma provides thrust directly, and (3) continuous, low-thrust trajectories are followed. This paper presents the generic arguments for magnetic fusion power in space, examines fusion fuels and configurations, discusses the trajectories fusion rockets would travel, and explores potential missions.