Project New Orion: Pulsed Nuclear Space Propulsion Using Photofission Activated  by Ultra-Intense Laser

LeMoyne, Robert; Mastroianni, Timothy

doi:10.4236/jamp.2016.44071

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Envisioned trends pertain to further advances in miniaturization and also evolution toward greater energy storage systems for activating laser systems. Recently, magneto-hydrodynamics were considered as an electrical energy source for an ultra-intense laser using the exhaust from a rocket nozzle while in flight [22].…”

Section: Fourth Generation Nuclear Bomb and Counter-terrorism Concernmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controlled Fusion Strategy Using Ultra-Intense Laser Derived Positron Generation for Initiation

Moyne¹

2018

JAMP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion is presented through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation by a conceptual first physics perspective. The capability to generate positrons on demand in a controlled manner through an ultra-intense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold, is the intrinsic core to the foundation of controllable nuclear fusion. Positron antimatter generated from the periphery of the fusion fuel pellet provides the basis for initiating the fusion reaction, which is regulated by controlling the operation of the ultra-intense laser. A dual pulsed Fast Ignition mechanism is selected to achieve the fusion reaction. Based on first physics performance analysis the controllable strategy for eliciting nuclear fusion through ultra-intenselaser derived positron generation offers a realizable means for achieving regulated nuclear fusion. A future perspective of the controllable fusion strategy addresses the opportunities and concerns of a pathway toward regulated nuclear fusion.

show abstract

Section: Fourth Generation Nuclear Bomb and Counter-terrorism Concernmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controlled Fusion Strategy Using Ultra-Intense Laser Derived Positron Generation for Initiation

Moyne¹

2018

JAMP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In contrast to the original Project Orion, which advocated a thermonuclear detonation of considerable magnitude, Project New Orion elucidated a more feasible perspective with regards to testing and evaluation. Using advanced energy conversion techniques, such as magneto-hydrodynamic generation, to provide an energy source for the ultra-intense laser, the system demonstrated the capacity to impart a kinetic energy impulse on a launch vehicle upper stage [6].…”

Section: Further Observation Of the Characteristics Were Manifested Imentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A representative fission reaction is demonstrated in Equation (1). However, issues can arise, such as the side effects of the fission byproducts and complex mechanisms for regulating the inherent neutron flux [5] [6]. Another serious consideration involves fission byproducts, such as strontium-89, which is chemically analogous to calcium [10].…”

Section: Further Observation Of the Characteristics Were Manifested Imentioning

confidence: 99%

Positron Induced Fusion Pulsed Space Propulsion through an Ultra-Intense Laser

LeMoyne¹

2017

JAMP

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target is conceptually presented through fundamental performance analysis. As opposed to traditional strategies positron antimatter is considered rather than antiproton antimatter. Positron antimatter can be produced by an ultraintense laser incident on a high atomic number target, such as gold. The ultra-intense laser production of positron antimatter mechanism greatly alleviates constraints, such as requirements for antimatter storage imperative for antiproton antimatter. Also the ultra-intense laser and associated energy source can be stationary or positioned remote while the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion is in flight. Various mechanisms for antimatter catalyzed fusion are considered, for which the preferred mechanism is the antiproton hotspot ignition strategy. Fundamental performance analysis is subsequently applied to derive positron antimatter generation requirements and associated propulsion performance. The characteristics of the pulsed space propulsion system using position antimatter to induce Deuterium-Tritium fusion through an ultra-intense laser incident on a gold target imply a promising non-chemical propulsion alternative for the transport of bulk cargo to support space missions.

show abstract

Project New Orion: Pulsed Nuclear Space Propulsion Using Photofission Activated by Ultra-Intense Laser

Cited by 2 publications

References 20 publications

Controlled Fusion Strategy Using Ultra-Intense Laser Derived Positron Generation for Initiation

Controlled Fusion Strategy Using Ultra-Intense Laser Derived Positron Generation for Initiation

Positron Induced Fusion Pulsed Space Propulsion through an Ultra-Intense Laser

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About