Pulsar Fusion Explained

Pulsar Fusion is a UK-based start-up that has demonstrated two designs of prototype rocket engine. It is headquartered in Bletchley, United Kingdom.^[1]

History

Pulsar Fusion was founded by Richard Dinan in 2011.^[2] Pulsar has tested its first Hall effect satellite thruster, achieving an exhaust velocity of 20 km/s.^[3] Pulsar tested its hybrid polyethylene/nitrous oxide launch rocket engines in November 2021.On its website, as of late-2022, the company says it is developing a Direct Fusion Drive.

As of January 2024, Pulsar is working on building a nuclear fusion powered rocket that would be capable of going 500,000 mph, and could reach Mars in half the time.^{[4] [5]} Pulsar plans to launch the rocket by 2027.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sampson . Ben . 2023-07-11 . Pulsar Fusion to build nuclear fusion-fueled rocket engine . 2024-01-25 . Aerospace Testing International . en-GB.
2. Simon Ingram,News: Why a reality TV star and a physicist are building a nuclear reactor in Milton Keynes. 15 February 2022. nationalgeographic.co.uk. 20 February 2020.
3. Rachel Hains,News: UK company Pulsar Fusion demonstrates Green, Mach-7 rocket in Switzerland. 15 February 2022. walesonline.co.uk. 29 November 2021.
4. Web site: Kokkinidis . Tasos . 21 January 2024 . Nuclear Fusion Rockets Could Cut the Time to Fly to Mars by Half . 24 January 2024 . Greek Reporter.
5. Web site: 2023-08-13 . A fusion rocket designed to travel 500,000 mph is under construction . 2024-01-24 . Big Think . en-US.