We developed a round trip mission to Mars using Direct Fusion Drive. Key parameters are:
- Specific power of 1.2 kW/kg
- Exhaust velocity of 110 km/s
- 40 MW engine
- Payload of 55 MT out, 40 MT return
- Outward leg 128 days
- Inward leg 110 days
- Stay on Mars 650 days
The following plot shows the trajectory. Some additional time would be needed to enter and exit the Mars and Earth’s orbit. That could be shortened by using a nuclear thermal engine tug.
The payload is based on the NASA Deep Space Habitat. It could be replaced by a less massive habitat and a lander. Two spacecraft, one including a lander, is another possibility. A dual spacecraft mission would enhance safety.
This mission plan has the DFD decelerating the spacecraft and going into Mars orbit. Some time could be saved using aerodynamic braking. The mass of the aeroshell would need to be included as part of the “engine” mass.
This analysis was done using the Spacecraft Control Toolbox http://www.psatellite.com/products/sct/
So, when heating to extreme degrees the plasma will generate enough ionic load to take off, when leaving the atmosphere, how will it keep the course fixed? Does the earth’s magnetic attraction have any impact, or is the polarity reversed?
The thrust is too low for launch from the ground. The Earth’s magnetic field does not have an impact.
So where do they throw it from?
Have you made manned trips?
The fusion propelled spacecraft would leave from low Earth orbit. Fusion powered spacecraft are 15 years in the future.
How are you going to master the flow of energy? Because I think that propulsion wouldn’t catch up with them for a round trip.
You would need to have greater strength for ionic loads, I would like to study at MIT what can I do to achieve it? I’m from El Salvador.
Good luck, you’ll need it.
Thanks for the comment. The plasma exits through a magnetic nozzle that produces the thrust.
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