Sunbird

April 11, 2025

Sunbird is a nuclear fusion-powered rocket being developed by Pulsar Fusion, a British startup, to revolutionise interplanetary travel.

About Sunbird

Sunbird could potentially reach speeds of up to 805,000 km/h, which is faster than the Parker Solar Probe (692,000 km/h), currently the fastest human-made object.
This technology, if successful, could enable missions to Pluto in just 4 years and cut travel time to Mars by nearly half.
It aims to revolutionize interplanetary travel by drastically reducing travel time to distant planets like Mars and Pluto.
An orbital demonstration is scheduled for 2027, marking a major milestone in space propulsion technology.

What is Nuclear Fusion?

Nuclear fusion replicates the energy generation process of stars, fusing atoms to release energy.
Unlike fission, fusion is cleaner and offers higher energy output with lower radioactive waste.

Two Main Concepts in Nuclear Propulsion

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP)

Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP)

- Uses a nuclear reactor to heat liquid hydrogen (LH₂).

- The hydrogen turns into plasma and is expelled through nozzles to generate thrust.

- Offers higher exhaust velocity and can double or triple payload capacity compared to chemical rockets.

- Earlier ground tests began in 1955, making it a well-researched concept.

- Converts heat from a nuclear reactor into electrical energy.

- Powers ion thrusters, which slowly build high speeds over long durations.

- Components include:

● Compact reactor core

● Electric generator

● Heat rejection system (e.g., heat pipes)

● Electric propulsion system (thrusters)

- It can also work with solar panels, but a nuclear source ensures consistent energy beyond Mars

Source : Sunbird, a nuclear fusion powered rocket could help reach Pluto in just 4 years: Report

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