Analyzing the engineering feasibility of the direct fusion drive

The Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) and its terrestrial counterpart, the Princeton Field Reversed Configuration Reactor, have seen significant developments in past decade. Various groups conducted detailed research on required specifications of engine associated technology for power delivery to onboard avionics payloads. Multiple studies also addressed thrust generation mechanism using empirical specific scaling relations plasma flow simulations. Recent designed spacecraft missions Earth’s second Lagrange point, Mars, transneptunian bodies like Pluto, neighboring star systems Alpha Centauri A B. However, work is needed design components detail scientific ab inito calculations develop physical prototyping testing. After critically analyzing reference DFD underlying fusion reactor, this paper addresses technological gaps suggests avenues improve toward targets outlined previous while considering costs. Further, authors present a prototype magnetohydrodynamic conversion system study engineering hurdles relevant practical implementation DFD.