does anyone believe in a nuclear fusion powered rocket?

Question

this question refers to chemistry nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms.
could a contained magnetic fusion create thrust for a rocket.
scientists say its 20 years away.
i hope someone is smart here....

Answer 1

Fusion is not "chemistry".

Contained fusion does not create thrust directly. However it can transform mass into energy in a form that can be used to create thrust. For example, ionise atoms, then accelerate them in an electric field. The ions are shot out one end and the spaceship gets accelerated th other way.

I agree with ericbryce2 that this may be a bit more than 20 years away because of the "contained fusion" part. However, the "ion propulsion" part is already possible.

Answer 2

Well, as I understand it, the fusion part of your question is still a long way off into the future.

However, an ION PROPULSION SYSTEM is on the books already which uses Xenon Gas zapped with high voltage to produce ions of Xenon which shoot out the exhaust nozzle and provide propulsion. The trick here is that during the launch phase of rocket flight massive amounts of propellant are used at extremely high rates of consumption for only brief periods. The Ion Propulsion System would use only small amounts of fuel, but run for extended periods providing small continual thrust, and continual acceleration (however small).
Remember that the acceleration is continual, so over time, the total acceleration gained is worthwhile.

Answer 3

Anything is possible but since we have been able to achieve fusion with tiny bits of matter and only in a lab it is unlikely that any fusion rocket will be perfected in the next 20 years. Perhaps in 100 or 200 years but not in the near future.

Answer 4

Magnetic/Cold fusion+rocket=unsafe with current technology. The dweebs(Boeing, etc) making these rockets always have flaws in their designs. Untill they can create rockets/ships that can use cold fusion safely, NASA will not use it. Cold fusion is the next stage in our propulsion development. or perhaps we could skip this tech and go on to Ion propulsion.
Either way it is still very primitive.

Answer 5

i might in basic terms say some thing like: Liberals won't be able to truly understand complicated concepts, and nuclear ability flora have shown that they are secure and stable. in basic terms like airplane commute is plenty extra secure than commute by ability of autos, whilst a airplane crashes and makes worldwide information, particularly everyone jumps to the top that in case you get on an airplane, which you will die.

Answer 6

yeah they have that.. what would be better is an anti-gravity machine so there would be little or no G-force...

They have shuttles subsmarines, subterranean machines, planes, jets, cars .ect. that are all nuclear powered. There just not available to you for security reasons.

Answer 7

Univ of Washington has some stuff going in that direction...using z-pinch effect.

see here:
http://www.aa.washington.edu/AERP/Propulsion/index.html

Answer 8

Hi, Yes it is possible to do today.