Nasa plans for 2001

[nacnud]

I just found this paper: Realizing "2001: A Space Odyssey": Piloted Spherical Torus Nuclear Fusion Propulsion and though people here would be interested, I'm still going though it so can't comment yet but its definatly a fun read, enjoy.

ABSTRACT
A conceptual vehicle design enabling fast, piloted outer solar system travel was created predicated on a small aspect ratio spherical torus nuclear fusion reactor. The initial requirements were satisfied by the vehicle concept, which could deliver a 172 mt crew payload from Earth to Jupiter rendezvous in 118 days, with an initial mass in low Earth orbit of 1,690 mt.

[Super George]

That's a freaky looking ship. NTR or NEP?

[realtime]

Super George - 22/1/2006  10:02 PM

That's a freaky looking ship. NTR or NEP?

Neither.  It's a design for a fusion drive.  Plasma diverted from the fusion reactor mixed with hydrogen propellant mass.

Kind of like VASIMR on steroids.