Guests: John Batchelor, Stephanie Thomas, Dr. David Livingston.  Topics:  Developing fusion energy and in-space propulsion.  

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John Batchelor and I welcomed Stephanie Thomas of Princeton Satellite Systems and Princeton Fusion Systems to Hotel Mars to talk about fusion for in-space propulsion.  Our guest explained fusion propulsion, talked about the fuels needed and the fact that some fuels would need to be carried aboard the rocket. She talked about the need for chemical rockets to launch out of the gravity well with the fusion system being turned on in space. Stephanie was asked if Mars was too close to use fusion given chemical rockets can get us there and back.  Listen to her answer.  What do you think?  Post your thoughts on our blog.  One fuel,He3 got lots of discussion, especially when it came to the sources for He3.  Fusion breakeven was talked about along with time lines which may be as short as 3-5 years by some of Princeton's competitors.  Stephanie mentioned the work going on in China and Russia regarding fusion but said that Chinese fusion work was serious and we may soon be playing serous catchup if we don't fund fusion research and work to the degree needed.  She estimated the cost so listen for that number.  Tell us what you think about that type of investment in fusion by the U.S. and for the future.

Please post your comments/questions for this discussion on our blog for this show.

You can email Mr. Batchelor or Stephanie through me at drspace@thespaceshow.com. Stephanie can also be reached through her Princeton Satellite Systems website.