UK firm hits first plasma milestone in fusion space propulsion

UK-based Pulsar Fusion has reached a significant milestone in developing its Sunbird fusion propulsion engine by successfully generating its first plasma within the engine's exhaust system. This achievement, demonstrated live at the MARS Conference in California, marks an early but crucial step toward creating nuclear fusion-based engines designed for high-speed space travel. The test validated the physical design of the fusion exhaust system, where charged particles are confined and accelerated using electric and magnetic fields. Initially, krypton gas was used as a propellant due to its favorable ionization properties, allowing researchers to study plasma behavior under controlled conditions. Looking ahead, Pulsar Fusion plans to advance the technology by measuring thrust and exhaust velocity with specialized instruments and collaborating with the UK Atomic Energy Authority to address challenges related to neutron radiation damage in reactor materials. The company aims to enhance the system with high-temperature superconducting magnets to achieve stronger magnetic fields and higher plasma densities, as well as explore advanced heating methods. Ultimately, Pulsar seeks to develop aneutronic fusion fuel