AAWSAP DIRD, Aneutronic Fusion Propulsion I, November 2010

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Chapter 7: Conclusions
Among the various aneutronic fusion propulsion technologies developed, Robert
Bussard and his colleagues appear to have the best developed proposals. All nuclear
fusion designs rely on ignition of the fusion reactions that will consume less energy than
is produced by fusion. This hurdle is significant and has thwarted the ability for fusion
reactors to generate commercial electricity.
Antimatter engines are a more promising technology, since the technique to harvest
and store small amounts of antihydrogen already exists. Antimatter is a denser form of
energy than fusion fuels and presents the possibility of creating a rocket that
approaches the speed of light relative to Earth. The major hurdles to antimatter
propulsion include the production of commercial quantities of antihydrogen and the safe
transport of antimatter from the earth's surface into space.
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