Revolutionary Direct Fusion Drive Propels Spacecraft to Saturn's Moon in Record Time.

Scientists from Princeton Satellite Systems and other institutions propose using a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) propulsion system to cut down the travel time to Saturn's moon, Titan, from seven years to less than two years. A fusion-powered drive could deliver propulsion while powering onboard electronics, and could transport 2,220 lbs to Titan in 31 months. The Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration (PFRC) concept developed at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is essential for powering the mission. Nuclear power is already promising to be vital for the future of human space exploration.