[nicktelford]

There's also Pulsar Fusion, a UK company currently building a Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD). They claim:

> Modelling shows that this technology can potentially propel a spacecraft with a mass of about 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) to Pluto in 4 years.

They're apparently targeting an in-orbit test in 2027. Even if this were to slip to 2030, and becomes commercially available in 2040, I expect that would be plenty of time for a rendezvous with Sedna's perihelion

[moffkalast]

When it comes to the UK space industry all I can think of is Skylon and Reaction Engines Ltd. Or more how they spent 20 years working on an engine that never left the ground until going bankrupt.

Hopefully this time round it goes a bit better than that.

[nicktelford]

Yeah, the British space industry has struggled; principally with investment. Reaction Engines largely went under because they ran out of money and their investors declined to put more money in.

My hope with Pulsar Fusion is that their existing thruster business provides the necessary revenue to both keep them solvent, and attract continued investment, until they're able to get their Fusion Drive off the ground.

[ortusdux]

I really wanted that thing to fly. Anyone know the fate of the IP?