A small ion thruster assembled by Applied Fusion for discussion purposes at a recent lecture in London

UK-based nuclear start-up Applied Fusion Systems has started the production of an ion thruster, which is capable of propelling a small nuclear fusion reactor of a rocket to launch a spacecraft into space.

The company has already tested specialist ion thrusters that have been developed to work with latest nuclear fusion breakthroughs for deep space and interplanetary travel.

A variation of the ion thruster, known as Nuclear Enhanced Air-breathing Rockets (NEAR), is expected to operate in high atmospheric conditions.

The company has initiated the process of filing a patent for NEAR technology.

“Fusion is the only candidate we have, it’s what the stars are doing, what the universe is telling us to do as the right way to create energy.”

Applied Fusion CEO, Richard Dinan said: “We have always followed the stars for direction. It’s about time we learned to emulate them. We, humanity, are burning things, it’s got to stop. That is literally how we power cities at the moment. It’s very inefficient, it’s very dirty and it’s not doing our atmosphere any good.

“Fusion is the only candidate we have, it’s what the stars are doing, what the universe is telling us to do as the right way to create energy.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“It’s not a question of do you think it’s coming or not? It is coming, for sure. It is humanity’s only shot at interstellar space travel in the near future.”

Ion thrusters, which uses plasma propellant accelerated to extremely high speeds using a strong electromagnetic field, are already used for manoeuvring satellites.

According to Applied Fusion, interstellar space travel will only be possible if the transition from solid and liquid combustion rocket engines is achieved.