The VISTA spacecraft: Advantages of ICF (Inertial Confinement Fusion) for interplanetary fusion propulsion applications
Description:
Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) is an attractive engine power source for interplanetary manned spacecraft, especially for near-term missions requiring minimum flight duration, because ICF has inherent high power-to-mass ratios and high specific impulses. We have developed a new vehicle concept called VISTA that uses ICF and is capable of round-trip manned missions to Mars in 100 days using A.D. 2020 technology. We describe VISTA's engine operation, discuss associated plasma issues, and descri…
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Date:
October 2, 1987
Creator:
Orth, C.D.; Klein, G.; Sercel, J.; Hoffman, N.; Murray, K. & Chang-Diaz, F.
Partner:
UNT Libraries Government Documents Department