University of Washington researchers and scientists at MSNW, a Redmond-based space-propulsion company, are building components of a fusion-powered rocket that could accelerate interplanetary traveling. The researchers claim that once perfected, fusion-powered rockets could enable 30- and 90-day expeditions to Mars. That could lead to significantly lower traveling time, costs, as well as crew’s health risks…. »

Fusion has been a cherished goal of physicists and energy researchers for more than 50 years, since it offers the possibility of nearly endless supplies of energy with no carbon emissions and far less radioactive waste than that produced by today’s nuclear plants. A new experiment that reproduces the magnetic fields of the Earth and… »