A New Vision for Fusion Energy Research:
 Fusion Rocket Engines for Planetary Defense

Authors:  G. A. Wurden, T. E. Weber, P. J. Turchi, P. B. Parks, T. E. Evans, 
S. A. Cohen, J. T. Cassibry, E. M. Campbell

Abstract:  We argue that it is essential for the fusion energy program to identify an imagination-capturing critical mission by developing a unique product which could command the marketplace. We lay out the logic that this product is a fusion rocket engine, to enable a rapid response capable of deflecting an incoming comet, to prevent its impact on the planet Earth, in defense of our population, infrastructure, and civilization. As a side benefit, deep space solar system exploration, with greater speed and orders‐of‐magnitude greater payload mass would also be possible.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Submitted to:  Journal of Fusion Energy
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Download PPPL-5139 (pdf 2.2 MB 20 pp)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________