Interplanetary space transport using inertial fusion propulsion
In this paper, we indicate how the great advantages that ICF offers for interplanetary propulsion can be accomplished with the VISTA spacecraft concept. The performance of VISTA is expected to surpass that from other realistic technologies for Mars missions if the energy gain achievable for ICF targets is above several hundred. Based on the good performance expected from the U. S. National Ignition Facility (NIF), the requirements for VISTA should be well within the realm of possibility if creative target concepts such as the fast ignitor can be developed. We also indicate that a 6000-ton VISTA can visit any planet in the solar system and return to Earth in about 7 years or less without any significant physiological hazards to astronauts. In concept, VISTA provides such short-duration missions, especially to Mars, that the hazards from cosmic radiation and zero gravity can be reduced to insignificant levels. VISTA therefore represents a significant step forward for space-propulsion concepts.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 324289
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-129237; CONF-980659-; ON: DE98058340; BR: DP0210000; CNN: W-7405-Eng-48; TRN: 99:003662
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 9. international conference on emerging nuclear energy systems (ICENES `98), Tel Aviv (Israel), 28 Jun - 2 Jul 1998; Other Information: PBD: 20 Apr 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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