Pure Nuclear Fusion Bomb Propulsion

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of nuclear fusion bomb propulsion for space travel, focusing on recent advances in thermonuclear ignition, fast ignition techniques, and spacecraft design to enable safe, efficient propulsion without atmospheric contamination.

Contribution

It proposes a novel concept combining recent progress in thermonuclear micro-explosions with spacecraft architecture for safe, high-speed space propulsion.

Findings

Advances in non-fission ignition of micro-explosions.

Potential for earth orbit launch without fission products.

Design considerations for magnetic insulation and electrostatic potentials.

Abstract

Recent progress towards the non-fission ignition of thermonuclear micro-explosions raises the prospect for a revival of the nuclear bomb propulsion idea, both for the fast transport of large payloads within the solar system and the launch into earth orbit without the release of fission products into the atmosphere. To reach this goal three areas of research are of importance: 1)Compact thermonuclear ignition drivers. 2)Fast ignition and deuterium burn. 3)Space-craft architecture involving magnetic insulation and GeV electrostatic potentials