Accession Number:

AD0408118

Title:

CONTROLLED FUSION FOR SPACE PROPULSION

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for Apr 1961-June 1962

Corporate Author:

AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIV WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Mitchell, H. M.
• Cooper, R. F.
• Verga, R. L.

Report Date:

1963-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

24.0

Abstract:

Since controlled fusion will probably be achieved in the near future, the feasibility of applying it to the propulsion of space vehicles was studied. Some qualitative arguments are given to support the technical feasibility of this application. Problem areas that require solution prior to the establishment of design philosophy are also discussed. Because of the potential of a fusion-propelled space vehicle for the accomplishment of very high energy missions, a preliminary research program for investigating the feasibility of fusion energy for propulsion is deemed justified.

Descriptors:

• *SPACE PROPULSION
• *THERMONUCLEAR REACTIONS
• *SPACECRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION
• CONTROL
• INJECTION
• SPACECRAFT
• ENERGY
• THERMAL UTILIZATION
• LOADING(ORDNANCE PROJECTORS)
• CONTAINMENT(NUCLEAR REACTORS)
• FEASIBILITY STUDIES
• GEOMETRY
• THRUST
• SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

Subject Categories:

• Nuclear Propulsion
• Astronautics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE