'Groundbreaking moment' UK to launch nuclear reactor in space to create unlimited energy
BRITAIN is poised to launch a nuclear fusion reactor into space by 2027, which could create limitless clean energy in a major breakthrough for the future of both interplanetary travel and energy security.
Pulsar Fusion Ltd, a UK nuclear fusion company based in Bletchley, is developing green rocket technology that could eventually send humans to distances further than our Solar System. Nuclear fusion is the energy process that powers the stars which scientists have been scrambling to create on Earth to produce unlimited supplies of low-carbon, low-radiation energy.
This could play an incredibly important role in the UK as the Government presses ahead with its net zero targets while seeking to slash its dependence on foreign imports.
Pulsar has claimed that this could be "the answer to the energy crisis".
Bur Pulsar is also seeking to harness the process of nuclear fusion in space with its nuclear fusion reactors, which it says could enable rockets to access travel to planets beyond our solar system.
As fusion rocket technology only works in the vacuum of space, Pulsar has had to develop hybrid rocket engines, which it has been testing.
The latest blasts took place at the Westcott Space Cluster’s National Space Propulsion Test Facility on March 15 and 16.
The UK could launch a nuclear fusion reactor in 2027 (Image: Getty )
The UK could launch a nuclear fusion reactor in 2027 (Image: Getty)
Pulsar has had to develop hybrid rocket engines (Image: Pulsar)
These lay the groundwork for the Pulsar's hyper-speed propulsion engines, which could even slash the journey time from Earth to Mars by half, according to scientists.
According to Pulsar CEO Richard Dinan, the firm is looking to use this technology to launch its nuclear fusion reactors into space.
The first prototype for the propulsion engine is expected by 2025.
Mr Dinan, said: “This is truly a groundbreaking moment taking place on British soil and could be the first innovative steps to transforming not only modern space travel but also how this planet consumes its energy.
“Our tests last year were a great success and paved the way for firing in the UK. These tests are hugely significant and we are proud that this rocket is built completely in Britain.
The latest blasts took place at the Westcott Space Cluster’s National Space Propulsion Test Facility (Image: Pulsar)
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