Key Technologies for Fusion-based Space Propulsion: A Case Study

Paper number

IAC-07-C3.3.02

Author

Mr. Dejan Petkow, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Georg Herdrich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Rene Laufer, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Hans-Peter Roeser, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Year

2007

Abstract

The nuclear fusion is the energy releasing process with the highest energy density after the particle annihilation. It is therefore an interesting future option for commercial energy production and/or space propulsion purposes. Several ground-based test reactors were built and driven in order to investigate plasma heating and ignition, plasma containment, plasma-wall interactions, mode of operation, measurement techniques, superconduction technology, and cooling methods. Within the next 25 years break even is expected to be reached which is equivalent to a positive energy output. 

The last decades' technological development regarding controlled nuclear fusion brings its application for space propulsion into focus. The authors give a survey of possible aneutronic fusion reactions and analyze their advantages and drawbacks concerning space flight application. A fusion reaction is commonly defined to be aneutronic if not more than 1 percent of the total energy released is carried by neutrons and if not more than 1 percent of the reactants and products are radionuclides. The reaction of choice is determined considering important spaceflight and mission aspects since neutrons increase system complexity and mass including all its negative accompaniments. Realizing this, key technologies like MHD generators and resource utilization, processing, logistics and supply are discussed. 

The result of this case study based on an aneutronic fusion reaction is a preliminary parametric calculation. Given this, recommendations for research areas and scientific funding options are pointed out.

Abstract document

IAC-07-C3.3.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-C3.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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