Direct Fusion Drive

Direct Fusion Drive (DFD)

A NASA funded research, The Direct Fusion Drive is a unique fusion engine concept with a physically feasible approach that would dramatically increase the capability of outer planet missions.

Direct Fusion Drive is a a revolutionary direct-drive, fusion-powered rocket engine. Compact and clean-burning, the Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) can generate controllable power from 1-10 MW with high thrust and high specific power.

Technical Video of DFD Engine

How does Direct Fusion Drive work?

DFD is a fusion reactor that is 2 m in diameter and a 10 m long device. It’s heated by a novel radio frequency (RF) plasma-heating system, enabling high plasma temperatures for D-³He fusion reactions.

Cool plasma or deuterium is injected from the left and fusion occurs in the center through magnetic confinement. Magnetic confinement is a stable way of heating up atoms at very high temperatures using the force of electromagnetism.

By heating the fuel up at high temperatures it allows for fusion to occur, or where atoms join together and creates explosive-like energy. This intense energy allows us to move the spacecraft a lot further.

Direct Fusion Drive for Interstellar Missions

Alpha Centauri in 250 Years