Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a process in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. In space and astronautical engineering, nuclear fusion is a promising technology for generating power for long-duration space missions. The process involves heating hydrogen to extremely high temperatures and pressures until the atoms fuse together, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. This energy can then be converted into electricity using a turbine. Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of energy, with no greenhouse gas emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. However, it is still a developing technology and significant engineering challenges must be overcome to make it practical for use in space.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Neutrons: In space and astronautical engineering, neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electric charge and are found in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons play a crucial role in nuclear reactions and are used in various applications such as ne ... Read More >>
- Multi-planetary Civilization: Multi-planetary civilization refers to a hypothetical future state of human society where humans have established a permanent presence on multiple planets in our solar system and beyond. This would require the development of advanced space ... Read More >>
- Heat Pipes: Heat pipes are passive heat transfer devices that utilize the latent heat of vaporization and condensation to transfer heat from one point to another. They consist of a sealed, evacuated tube containing a working fluid, typically water or a ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06