Fusion Drive

Description

A fusion drive is method of propelling a space vessel by nuclear fusion propulsion, providing high levels of sustained acceleration without the need to carry a large fuel supply. The drive uses the fusion of hydrogen atoms (specifically, a deuterium/tritium mix) in a plasma held at enormous temperature and pressure in a magnetic containment field. The exhaust of the fusion reaction is projected out of the back of the drive to provide thrust.

History of Use

Officially, the fusion drive was developed on Earth in the 22nd century and became the standard form of space vehicle propulsion until at least the middle of the 24th century.

It is know that various experimental fusion-powered vehicles were in use in the late 20th century, but all were unique, one-off prototypes that were never successfully duplicated by later scientists.

It appears that the fusion drive has always been the standard form of interplanetary propulsion used by Earth's main galactic neighbours (such as the Krai, Boluscans, and High Illonans), even on those ships which possess hyperspace drives for travelling interstellar distances.