Resolves as YES if a fusion drive (also known as a fusion rocket) has operated continuously for at least 24 hours prior to January 1st, 2040, demonstrating practical and reliable functionality in space.
A fusion drive, for the purposes of this market, is defined as a propulsion system using nuclear fusion as its primary power source, capable of generating thrust in space applications. The drive must be used on a spacecraft with a minimum total mass (including the drive itself) of 10,000 kg. Additionally, the fusion drive must deliver a minimum average thrust of 1,000 newtons over the 24-hour period. The fusion reactor on the drive must operate at an energy gain factor (Q_E) of at least 1.
Questions with the same criteria:
/RemNi/will-we-get-fusion-drives-before-20 (this question)
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/RemNi/will-we-get-fusion-drives-before-20-zd8a508550
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For further context on fusion drives, refer to: Fusion Rocket - Wikipedia
Helicity Space and Pulsar Fusion want to launch prototypes in 2032 and 2027 respectively, but these won't have the 10 t mass and 1 kN thrust required for this market. And I guess initially they won't be self-sustaining and instead just function as an afterburner to electric propulsion, and therefore won't meet the "primary power source" and Q_E requirements.
Helicity's roadmap is in this video starting at 12:15; self-sustaining drives are only planned for the 2040s:
@dp9000 yeah I think there are a few "fusion" drive projects that technically use a fusion reaction, but there's a debate as to whether they produce useful power