[ExI] New fusion rocket design could cut Mars trip to under 4 months

[Stuart LaForge]

On 2025-05-03 09:14, BillK via extropy-chat wrote:
> New fusion rocket design could cut Mars trip to under 4 months
> By David Szondy     May 03, 2025
> 
> <https://newatlas.com/space/pulsar-fusion-rocket-design-slash-space-travel-times/>
> Quotes:
> Called Sunbird, we now have more details on the nuclear fusion rocket
> project that is so far along that the company expects to demonstrate
> it later this year and begin orbital tests in 2027.
> 
> "I expect that, as of today, Sunbird is already being closely analyzed
> by our global competitors," said Dinan. "Pulsar has built a reputation
> for delivering real technology – not just concepts. We have recently
> commissioned not one, but two of the largest space propulsion testing
> chambers in the UK, if not all of Europe. Pulsar is now an
> international space propulsion testing powerhouse, and we have
> ambitious plans to expand rapidly. We actively welcome visits from
> appropriate partners and prospective international clients and look
> forward to sharing more exciting developments we have in the
> pipeline."
> --------------------

I like it. Their fusion reaction is D +3 He → 4He(3.6MeV) + p+ 
(14.7MeV). Deuterium fuel is easy to come by on Earth but Helium 3 is 
not. However it is abundant on the moon. This engine design might be the 
killer app that gives economic value to colonizing and mining the moon. 
I think it is way cool.

Stuart LaForge