In what is a major breakthrough in the technology associated with space propulsion, RocketStar Inc. has powered up its advanced electric propulsion unit, FireStar Drive, using nuclear fusion for pulsed plasma propulsion. The new device runs on water as its primary propellant and is set to take space travel to another level in performance and duration.
FireStar Drive employs aneutronic nuclear fusion—a distinctive process. High-speed protons from ionized water vapor collide with a boron nucleus, triggering a fusion reaction that produces high-energy carbon, which then decays into an alpha particle, significantly boosting thrust. The concept was initially uncovered during an SBIR Phase 1 project for AFWERX, involving the introduction of boronated water into a thruster’s exhaust to generate alpha particles and gamma rays. Further validation occurred through an SBIR Phase 2 project at the High Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in a 50% increase in the propulsion unit’s thrust.
The thruster’s exhaust held something akin to a technological leap for it held a fusion-fission reaction, explained Professor Adam Hecht of the Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico. Chris Craddock, the CEO of RocketStar, attributed this initial concept to a collaborative work between himself and Wes Faler—the latter presently CTO at RocketStar but then of Miles Space. This collaborative effort has now crystallized in the form of this fusion-enhanced thruster, touting performance improvements of astronomical proportions.
RocketStar has its M1.5 thruster ready for delivery to clients, with demo spaceflights set for July and October onboard D-Orbit’s OTV ION Satellite Carrier on SpaceX Transporter missions. Matteo Lorenzoni, D-Orbit, said it is looking forward to working with RocketStar in the in-orbit performance test end.
Further plans include intensive ground testing and an in-space demonstration of the FireStar Drive, which is scheduled for February 2025 on Rogue Space System’s Barry-2 spacecraft. Brent Abbott, CEO of Rogue Space Systems, showed his excitement about testing the new thruster and the prospect of using it for future missions.
The achievement of the FireStar Drive marks a significant milestone in spacecraft propulsion technology. For RocketStar, utilizing nuclear fusion to power electric propulsion has unlocked a new frontier in space exploration beyond simple efficiency. If successful, this demonstration could drastically reduce travel times within the solar system and fundamentally transform space travel.