A specific fusion propulsion rocket design is investigated, on the assumption that a stable self-sustained 3 He-D plasma will be achieved in present controlled-fusion research programs. The status of pertinent plasma physics is reviewed, together with an analysis of the requirements for a successful control!ed-fusion system. This system must include a 3 He-D self-sustained fusion plasma confined in a magnetic trap produced by superconducting electromagnets. A self-consistent set of plasma physics parameters is assumed, and the resulting engineering parameters are itemized. The major components of the hypothetical fusion rocket are described. Special attention is given to estimations of neutron heating and the cryogenic system design.
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