Latest news with #PulsarFusion
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Jaw-Dropping Video Shows Concept for Fusion Rocket That Might Halve Mars Travel Time
Over the past decade, a U.K.-based nuclear propulsion startup has been working behind the scenes to develop a fusion rocket that could cut flight time to Mars in half. This week, it unveiled the concept in a striking new video. The Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, designed by Pulsar Fusion, would be capable of reaching 329,000 miles per hour (over 529,000 kilometers per hour), the company claims. This would make it the fastest self-propelled object ever created, drastically reducing space travel time. Unlike current rockets that launch from terrestrial bases, Sunbirds would be stored on giant orbital docking stations each designed to host up to five at a time, Richard Dinan, CEO of Pulsar Fusion, told Gizmodo in an email. In the video, one of these rockets undocks from its station and uses its eight thrusters to gently attach to a larger spacecraft (the video portrays what appears to be a SpaceX Starship upper stage), then propel it to a faraway planet. Picture a jet pack, but for spaceships. Once it reaches the destination, Sunbird detaches and docks to an awaiting station. Such a system would allow these rockets to be used again and again, carrying spacecraft to and from deep space. The Sunbirds' unprecedented speed would be generated by their Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) engines, which the company claims will harness the power of nuclear fusion: the atomic process that powers the Sun and other stars. In theory, this type of engine could produce significantly more energy per unit of fuel than any that exist today. Pulsar Fusion says its DDFD engines are projected to produce exhaust speeds of roughly 310 miles per second (500 kilometers per second). But this technology still has a long way to go before it becomes available. The company aims to demonstrate components of its power system later this year, according to an emailed statement. The next step will be in-orbit testing, with a goal of achieving nuclear fusion in space by 2027. Getting the world's first nuclear fusion rocket off the ground in just two years is a lofty goal. But Pulsar Fusion is confident that growing interest in fusion-based propulsion will drive development forward, so to speak. Indeed, the U.S. and other global spaceflight leaders have set their own ambitious timelines for missions to the Moon and Mars. Sunbirds could quickly deliver cargo to both destinations. Pulsar Fusion expects these rockets to be able to propel 2,200 to 4,400 pounds (1,000 to 2,000 kilograms) of commercial cargo, such as habitats, rovers, or supplies to Mars in under six months, according to the company's website. Sunbirds could also be used to transport probes throughout the solar system, assist asteroid mining missions, and ferry telescopes to deep space, according to Payload. Each unit is expected to cost about $70 million upon commercial rollout, Dinan said. He believes the rocket's hefty price tag will be tempered by its 'substantial' returns, stating that customers could recoup their investment within one to two years through 'active service in orbital logistics, deep space science missions, or infrastructure deployment.' All of this hinges on rapid development and successful in-orbit testing. But if Pulsar Fusion can get its Sunbirds off the ground, our cosmic neighborhood will suddenly feel a whole lot smaller.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Nuclear Fusion Rocket May Hold the Key to Faster Travel to Mars
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, a nuclear fusion rocket concept by Pulsar Fusion, is designed to revolutionize the way humans travel to space, cutting in half the time it takes to get from Earth to Mars. Over the past decade, Pulsar Fusion worked to design the rocket in secret. It was publicly unveiled at the Space-Comm Expo on March 11 and has continued to make waves since. This week the company released a fresh video, an amination that shows the concept operating in space. The video features the planned rocket in action, leaving a dock and joining with a much larger spacecraft to propel the craft's journey forward at speed. Sunbird uses nuclear fusion technology for power. The International Atomic Energy Agency defines nuclear fusion as "the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy." Pulsar Fusion's nuclear fusion propulsion system was developed completely in-house by a team of scientists. Pulsar Fusion's Sunbird rocket pictured in a rendering. Pulsar Fusion's Sunbird rocket pictured in a rendering. Pulsar Fusion The company commissioned two of the largest propulsion testing chambers in the U.K. to test the technology, and it plans to expand rapidly, the company's CEO said earlier this year, emphasizing the concept's scalability. "Nuclear fusion is the pinnacle of space propulsion technology. These reactors are uniquely suited to operate in orbit, where there's no atmosphere. In many ways, it's actually more practical to use fusion for in-space propulsion than it is for energy generation on Earth," Richard Dinan, CEO of Pulsar Fusion, told Newsweek. "That said, we must pursue fusion for both energy and propulsion, and I believe humanity will ultimately succeed in both. The recent acceleration in AI capabilities have mega implications for fusion. Machine learning models help us manage ultra-hot plasmas with far greater precision, enabling reactors to become smaller, more intelligent and vastly more practical. This is an incredibly exciting time to be working in fusion," he said. Pulsar Fusion was started as Applied Fusion Systems in 2013. In 2023, the U.K. Space Agency funded its work on integrated nuclear fission power systems for electric propulsion, developed in collaboration with numerous institutions, including the University of Cambridge. Pulsar isn't the only player in the space. In 2019 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it was studying fusion-driven rockets (FDR), something it called "a revolutionary approach to fusion propulsion," and noting that "it is believed that the FDR can be realized with little extrapolation from currently existing technology, at high specific power, at a reasonable mass scale and therefore cost." Newsweek contacted NASA for an update on its research but did not hear back from the organization by the deadline. Pulsar Fusion's Sunbird rocket pictured in a rendering. Pulsar Fusion's Sunbird rocket pictured in a rendering. Pulsar Fusion Earth's nuclear reactors currently operate using fission. Pulsar's Sunbird uses a different fusion formula than fusion being studied for use in power plants. Large-scale nuclear fusion is thought to be a promising clean energy solution, but scientists believe that the practicality of its use on the planet is limited.
Fox News
24-04-2025
- Science
- Fox News
329,000 mph nuclear rocket leading next era of space travel
Get ready because the future of traveling to other planets just got a massive upgrade. Pulsar Fusion, a U.K.-based aerospace company, is developing a compact fusion engine called the Dual Direct Fusion Drive that could drastically change space exploration as we know it. This engine powers their Sunbird spacecraft, which promises to make space missions faster, cheaper and more efficient. Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report": Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my free "Ultimate Scam Survival Guide" when you sign up! Can you imagine a spacecraft that can reach speeds of almost 329,000 mph? That's what Sunbird is aiming for. This incredible speed is due to its nuclear fusion propulsion system. The Sunbird boasts a high specific impulse and an integrated 2 MW power system, making it a reusable transfer vehicle perfect for those deep-space missions that are currently out of reach. The Dual Direct Fusion Drive is designed to produce thrust and continuous electrical power; think of it as the ultimate energy-efficient engine. It can deliver between 10,000 and 15,000 seconds of specific impulse while generating 2 megawatts of energy. What this really means is that missions can last longer and require much less fuel compared to traditional rockets. Sunbird has some pretty amazing potential uses; imagine it transporting 2,200-4,400 pounds of cargo to Mars in under six months, about 60 days faster than current systems, allowing crucial supplies to reach the Red Planet sooner. It could also carry probes to distant planets like Jupiter or Saturn in less than four years, all while powering scientific instruments in areas where solar energy is weak. As a reusable cislunar transport system, Sunbird can deliver up to 3,300 pounds of supplies to lunar orbit, which would support operations like fuel processing and spacecraft navigation. Sunbird could also facilitate trips to near-Earth asteroids for mining, reducing travel times and providing the power needed for drilling and material processing. Finally, it can deliver power to next-generation space telescopes in distant orbits, supporting cryogenics and real-time communications, opening up new possibilities for space observation. Getting to low Earth orbit is one of the most energy-intensive parts of space travel. Sunbird can stay stationed in orbit, allowing other spacecraft to dock and use the fusion engine for the rest of the journey. This could cut fuel storage needs by as much as 50% for missions to places like Mars or Jupiter. Pulsar Fusion plans to begin static tests this year and aims for an in-orbit demonstration by 2027. This demonstration will be a critical step toward validating the Sunbird's innovative technology in the harsh environment of space. Even with some uncertainties in government-funded space programs, companies like Pulsar Fusion are pushing forward with groundbreaking technologies. Sunbird represents a significant innovation in space propulsion and could revolutionize how we explore our solar system and beyond. This spacecraft might just reshape the future of planetary science in the years ahead, and honestly, that's pretty cool. Imagine Sunbird eventually offering crewed missions. Would you be willing to take a trip to Mars, knowing the risks and potential rewards of pioneering this new frontier? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Pulsar Fusion unveils vision for ‘Sunbird' nuclear rocket to reach Mars in half the time (video)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When it comes to the future of space travel, nothing exceeds like excess. Pulsar Fusion hopes to demonstrate that axiom with its planned Sunbird nuclear fusion rocket, which is designed to travel at speeds of 329,000 mph (500,000 kph). That would make it the fastest self-propelled object ever created by humankind. (NASA's Parker Solar Probe has reached greater velocities during close solar flybys, thanks to the sun's powerful gravitational pull.) Pulsar Fusion — a U.K.-based aerospace startup founded by entrepreneur Richard Dinan — recently released a new concept design video that lays out the operational capabilities of Sunbird, a visionary project that won't rely on gravitational assistance to reach peak velocity. Theoretically, Sunbird's tremendous speeds could cut mission times to Mars in half, from seven to eight months to about four. Pulsar Fusion views the vehicle as an interplanetary tug; Sunbird would attach to other craft in space and give them a fusion-powered boost to reach their destinations. Related: Nuclear fusion breakthrough: What does it mean for space exploration? Pulsar Fusion has received funding from the U.K. Space agency. The startup is planning to begin in-orbit testing of Sunbird's Dual Direct Fusion Drive in late 2025, with an objective of reaching successful nuclear fusion in space by 2027. These goals are ambitious, of course. Nuclear fusion — the process that powers the sun and other stars — has not yet been harnessed as a large-scale energy source here on Earth.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
A Stunning Fusion Rocket Could Cut Interplanetary Travel in Half—and We'll Try It in Just 2 Years
Nuclear rockets are the future of space propulsion, and while fission propulsion is rapidly developing, most believe fusion propulsion is still a ways off. However, a new U.K.-based company is claiming that its fusion-powered rocket, called 'sunbird' could be ready for space-based demonstration by as early as 2027. Designed to be a space 'tugboat' for interplanetary payloads, the company states that it could chop travel time between planets by more than half. Nuclear power holds a lot of promise for humanity's future. Its biggest potential lies in the worldwide effort to harness fusion—the energy-producing process that powers the Sun—to provide limitless clean energy on Earth. However, fusion also has other non-terrestrial applications that could benefit humans traveling beyond the life-sustaining embrace of our planetary home. A fusion rocket, for example, would have the immensely useful upside of being both powerful and efficient. This one-two propulsion punch could dramatically cut down travel times between planets—something that will be necessary if we have any hope of thriving beyond Earth. Now, in a surprise reveal, the U.K.-based company Pulsar Fusion revealed a reusable fusion rocket concept known as the 'sunbird.' Unlike rockets today, which launch from some terrestrial platform, these rockets would be stored in orbital satellite docks, and would then serve as a kind of interplanetary tugboat for missions to Mars and beyond. Pulsar Fusion, which also develops plasma thrusters and is designed for more near-term fission engines as well, described the project to Live Science as one of 'complete secrecy,' having begun more than 10 years ago. That decade of R&D is reflected in the company's aggressive timetable for the project—its website states that the rocket will begin static tests this year, with hopes of an in-orbit demonstration by 2027. The company publicly revealed the idea at the Space-Comm Expo in London earlier this month, and created a short video detailing how the system would work, complete with a rendering of the fusion engine and point-to-point docking system. Once perched in a space dock, the sunbird would refuel and recharge for another interplanetary voyage. 'Pulsar has built a reputation for delivering real technology—not just concepts,' Richard Dinan, CEO of the company, said in a press statement. 'We actively welcome visits from appropriate partners and prospective international clients and look forward to sharing more exciting developments we have in the pipeline.' So, what speeds will these fusion-powered tug boats be able to pull off? Sunbird will use what's known as a Duel Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) engine, which uses fusion to create exhaust speeds exceeding anything capable today. For example, when New Horizons launched back in 2006, it took the spacecraft 9.5 years to finally reach Pluto. Pulsar Fusion claims that it could cut that travel time in half. 'If we are going to be the species that actually get to other planets, then exhaust speeds are pretty much the most important thing,' Dinan said during Expo, as reported by Live Science. 'In terms of what can be [theoretically] produced at exhaust speeds, fusion is king.' It may seem surprising that a company could even contemplate a fusion rocket demonstration in 2027, when fusion energy on Earth chronically remains decades away from realization. But, interestingly, comparing the engineering challenges in space and on earth is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. While fusion reactors need to pump out neutrons near-continuously to be viable sources of energy, the sunbird uses a deuterium-helium-3 fuel source to create protons, and only burns for small amounts of time. It remains a devilishly difficult engineering challenge, but one that's not quite as daunting as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and its tokamak brethren. Of course, space propulsion research is a kind of overpromise-and-underdeliver enterprise, but NASA and DARPA have plans to test its own fission rocket in 2027. One way or another, we're going to find out if the promise of nuclear propulsion will finally become reality in only a few years time. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
