Abstract
This paper proposes a deep-space vehicle architecture utilizing a tethered, fusion-driven "puller" configuration to eliminate beam-riding instabilities inherent in traditional laser sails. The design integrates a trailing nuclear-fusion tug that pulls a curved, light-reflective sail via a rigid, boron-doped multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) structural tether. To mitigate cosmic radiation and interstellar medium (ISM) degradation at relativistic velocities, the vessel employs a Particle-Ejection Mini-Heliosphere (M2P2) shield inflated by Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) high-temperature superconducting coils. System efficiency is optimized via a closed-loop energy harvesting matrix consisting of: (1) a three-layer thermodynamic hull utilizing Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Bismuth Telluride (Bi₂Te₃) to convert external heat gradients into solid-state electricity; (2) an aft electromagnetic decelerator utilizing Niobium-Titanium (NbTi) inverse railgun rings to regeneratively brake against its own polarized exhaust tail; and (3) a forward Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Quantum Decelerator featuring a programmable Nitrogen/Boron-doped graphene-mesh grid to harvest incoming ionized interstellar particles without physical material contact.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Eckes, Christopher L., "CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PROPOSAL: THE TETHERED FUSION-DRIVEN SAIL WITH INTEGRATED MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC AND THERMODYNAMIC ENERGY HARVESTING", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/10459