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Scientists achieve first-ever plasma ignition in nuclear fusion rocket engine, which can create up to 1,000 times more thrust than standard engines (www.euronews.com)
submitted 7 months ago by to c/engineering@sh.itjust.works
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[–] 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

You really don't understand this.

EDIT: actually, I withdraw my comment. In fact it was I that didn't understand. I read your comment as "we could use it as a fusion reactor." A fission reactor would in fact work as the power source as well. You are correct.

Though, the big downside of a fission reactor in space is that you need giant radiators to cool it. In many applications it's probably easier just to use more solar panels and fewer radiators. At least solar panels don't generate tons of waste heat. You still need radiators, but 1 watt of solar power requires one watt of radiators. With a reactor, as its a heat engine, 1 watt of electric power requires 4 watts of radiators.

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  • [–] 1 point 7 months ago*

    I’m still a much bigger fan of solar thermal rockets because I’m a sucker for steampunk spaceships with valves and giant mirrors.

    But I’m sure there’s a limit where the number of solar panels or giant mirrors is less efficient than a nuke.

    The fact that it runs on just straight electricity is what’s really cool about it. As long as you got juice you can store up for a big burn.

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