SeventySoyer t1_jd6ohdx wrote on March 22, 2023 at 5:47 AM

If only we make a fusion breakthrough (even though it is unnecessary), we want to have a map of potential immediate destinations.

TheKingPotat t1_jd6vwua wrote on March 22, 2023 at 7:28 AM

Fusion wouldn’t give us faster speeds. Only a new energy source

Turingading t1_jd7lt9p wrote on March 22, 2023 at 12:42 PM

Being able to accelerate at 1G for a greater period of time is everything.

halfanothersdozen t1_jd7ogyc wrote on March 22, 2023 at 1:04 PM

Fusion wouldn't help you do that directly

Turingading t1_jd7vhy7 wrote on March 22, 2023 at 1:56 PM

The energy density will go a long way, especially without an extraterrestrial fuel source for propulsion.

UnknownStrikex t1_jd81m68 wrote on March 22, 2023 at 2:38 PM

Our current spacecraft would take tens of thousands of years to reach Alpha Centauri. Spacecraft that are powered by nuclear fusion would be capable of reaching 0.04-0.12c, greatly reducing the travel time to <100 years, thus making such an interstellar mission far more achievable.