Water-fueled pulse engine with thermonuclear afterburner created in the USA
RocketStar has announced an important advancement in space propulsion technology with the unveiling of its new electric propulsion system called FireStar Drive. This engine, which uses plasma pulses enhanced by fusion, sets new performance standards for spacecraft, far exceeding the capabilities of the company’s previous water-fueled pulse unit.
This innovative approach is based on the use of ionized water vapor to generate high-speed protons, which interact with the nuclei of boron atoms to initiate a fusion reaction. This process converts the boron atom into a high-energy form of carbon that decays into alpha particles. The peculiarity of this reaction is the absence of large radiation, which simplifies the protection of the plant from radiation.
Ground tests have shown that the integration of boron water into the exhaust of the experimental engine not only initiates a nuclear fusion reaction, but also increases thrust by 50% compared to the baseline characteristics. These results were achieved in collaboration with experts from the High Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory in Atlanta.
The future of this technology looks promising, as the M1.5 engine, which is a commercially available RocketStar product, has already been integrated into D-Orbit’s ION satellite. This engine will be sent into space during the SpaceX Transporter “package” missions scheduled for July and October this year. This will not only demonstrate its effectiveness in space conditions, but will also open up new prospects for research and commercial use of space.
RocketStar plans to conduct additional ground tests of the engine later this year, as well as tests in space on the Rogue Space System Barry-2 in February 2025, which demonstrates their commitment to innovation and expanding humanity’s ability to explore space.
