IN SPACE STARTUP METHOD FOR NUCLEAR FUSION ROCKET ENGINES

摘要

The invention is for a startup system for nuclear fusion engines in space. The combustion of hydrogen and oxygen produces heat that is used by a heat engine to produce electricity. This can be supplemented by electricity from other operating engines. The exhaust from the combustion is condensed and electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen once the engine is in operation. This provides a constant source of energy for future startups. The engine is started up at partial power in electricity generation mode and this power replaces the power from the combustion as it grows. The combustor uses the same heat engine as the nuclear engine uses for power generation.

主权项

1. A method for in-space startup of a nuclear fusion rocket engine, the method comprising:
generating heat energy by combusting fuel in one or more fuel cell combustion chambers; removing said heat energy from the combustion chamber using at least one heat exchanger; generating electrical power by using said heat energy in at least one heat engine coupled to the at least one heat exchanger; powering a fusion heating system with said electrical power; said fusion heating system configured to heat plasma inside a fusion reactor to a temperature sufficient to start a fusion nuclear reaction.