Quote:

Hidden away in the secret depths of the Skunk Works, a Lockheed Martin research team has been working quietly on a nuclear energy concept they believe has the potential to meet, if not eventually decrease, the world’s insatiable demand for power.

Dubbed the compact fusion reactor (CFR), the device is conceptually safer, cleaner and more powerful than much larger, current nuclear systems that rely on fission, the process of splitting atoms to release energy. Crucially, by being “compact,” Lockheed believes its scalable concept will also be small and practical enough for applications ranging from interplanetary spacecraft and commercial ships to city power stations. It may even revive the concept of large, nuclear-powered aircraft that virtually never require refueling—ideas of which were largely abandoned more than 50 years ago because of the dangers and complexities involved with nuclear fission reactors.

Yet the idea of nuclear fusion, in which atoms combine into more stable forms and release excess energy in the process, is not new. Ever since the 1920s, when it was postulated that fusion powers the stars, scientists have struggled to develop a truly practical means of harnessing this form of energy. Other research institutions, laboratories and companies around the world are also pursuing ideas for fusion power, but none have gone beyond the experimental stage. With just such a “Holy Grail” breakthrough seemingly within its grasp, and to help achieve a potentially paradigm-shifting development in global energy, Lockheed has made public its project with the aim of attracting partners, resources and additional researchers.



http://aviationweek.com/technology/skunk-works-reveals-compact-fusion-reactor-details

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spore baby said:

OhMrJohnson said:

And now the oil companies will buy the rights to it and lock it away never to be used again

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That's what always happens.

Some of those people who made 100-200 mpg vehicles died mysteriously.

Sell out or die are big business #1 motto.

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searching said:

This would be the single greatest invention of our time if it happens. This would transform the world!

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PatrickKn said:

This is pretty crazy. As someone who admittedly doesn't know a whole lot about nuclear physics though, what exactly would this thing run on? Uranium? Would the applications of this in small areas be potentially toxic due to radiation or is that not a real issue?

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PatrickKn said:

So this would be a more stable source of energy than oil for example? Like we wouldn't run out in a few thousand years by any means? If so this is an amazing stepping stone.

Like, I understand that it would use water, but what is turning the water itself into energy, and what makes said power source semi-unlimited?

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PatrickKn said:

As someone who admittedly doesn't know a whole lot about nuclear physics though, what exactly would this thing run on?

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