Scientists developing nuclear fusion rocket

[Pragmier]

Scientists at the University of Washington and a space-propulsion company named MSNW say they are getting closer to creating a feasible fuel for travel to other planets.

Nuclear fusion ... could one day propel rockets that allow humans to go to Mars and back in 30 days, researchers say.

http://www.space.com/20609-nuclear-fusion-rocket-mars.html


Flying cars are next!

[West of the Rockies]

I'd love to see it, Prag, but like they've pointed out on NPR's Science Friday a number of times, fusion is always about 50 years away.  It is astonishing the advancements made in computers, medicine, nano-technology, etc., but nuclear energy really seems to be on neutral for the past 20 years.   (Or have I somehow managed to miss some major developments?)

[Pragmier]

According to MSNW they've successfuly tested individual engine components, with integrated tests later this summer. Who knows, this could be "it".


It got me thinking about how the world sneaks up on us with change. In consumer technology alone, since about middle school, i've seen the arrival of the microwave oven, electronic calculator, digital watch, PC, flatscreen TV, cell phone, VCR, DVD, Blueray, e-books, WIFI, and on and on ...

[West of the Rockies]

There have been some astonishing advancements, but where the hell are my flying cars and Halo-deck?

Appropos of nothing in particular (except astounding technology), who said, "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...."?

[Pragmier]

C'mon that's an easy one. Sadly, Phillip K. Dick, although held in high regard, died too young to reap the financial rewards of the Hollywood adaptations. And he'd be a very, very rich man today.

[West of the Rockies]

I figured someone would call it pretty quickly in this crowd... yeah, it's a great shame that PKD passed on too soon and under-appreciated in his time.