Realizing '2001: A Space Odyssey': Piloted Spherical Torus Nuclear Fusion Propulsion

摘要

A conceptual vehicle design enabling fast, piloted outer solar system travel was created, predicated on a small aspect ratio spherical torus nuclear fusion reactor. The mission requirements were satisfied by the vehicle concept, which could deliver a 172-t crew payload from Earth to Jupiter rendezvous in 118 days, with an initial mass in low Earth orbit of 1690t. Engineering conceptual design, analysis, and assessment was performed on all major systems, including artificial gravity payload, central truss, nuclear fusion reactor, power conversion, magnetic nozzle, fast wave plasma heating, tankage, fuel pellet injector, startup/restart fission reactor and battery bank, refrigeration, reaction control, mission design, and space operations.