BSV Podcast 0118: Pulsar Fusion

Balerion Advisor Doug McAdams sits down with Richard Dinan, Founder & CEO of Pulsar Fusion, to discuss fusion propulsion. Pulsar Fusion develops high-power electric propulsion systems and is advancing its Sunbird fusion propulsion architecture for space transport. The discussion covers Hall effect thrusters, plasma testing, fusion exhaust architecture, and why fusion propulsion may be nearer-term than terrestrial fusion power.Timestamped Overview00:00 – Introduction to Pulsar Fusion and the Sunbird propulsion concept00:46 – Richard Dinan discusses Pulsar’s origin and long-term fusion propulsion thesis03:25 – Building a revenue-generating propulsion business before fusion readiness05:20 – Pulsar’s focus on large Hall effect thrusters and high-power satellite propulsion08:28 – Pulsar’s UK facilities, vacuum chambers, and propulsion qualification infrastructure09:38 – How Hall effect thruster development supports plasma and fusion propulsion work12:05 – Recent Sunbird demonstration and the fusion exhaust architecture problem17:01 – Fuel-pair selection, neutron management, and why DT fusion is poorly suited for propulsion20:56 – Q, plasma temperature, and why propulsion does not need to be a power plant25:21 – Using in-space propulsion to reduce launch fuel requirements and enable logistics30:03 – Why fusion propulsion may be simpler than terrestrial fusion power34:15 – Competitive comparison with chemical, electric, and nuclear thermal propulsion38:13 – Materials, shielding, magnets, and system lifetime in orbit41:13 – Pulsar’s next milestones: diagnostics, higher plasma temperatures, and flight demonstrations43:21 – Path toward fusion reactions in space and deuterium–helium-3 research45:00 – Long-term vision for lighter rockets and cislunar or Mars logistics46:50 – Closing remarks and final thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balerionspace.substack.com