Re: Nuclear rockets.

What is exciting is neutron mediated fusion events at the light end of
the spectrum. Helium 3 plus a neutron. Lithium 6 plus a neutron.
Both produce energetic alpha particles - and those combined with other
low z materials, like deuterium, produce neutrons. So, there is a
possibility of using a very modest amount of neutrons from a
radioisotope and seeing the number grow under the right mix of
conditions - reducing the amount of radioisotope needed. Once the
'fire' has been started, the level of Deuterium can be cut back to
control the power level.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Heavy Protons & Life Without Hydrogen
    ... deuterium, ... rapidly decays into dineutrons. ... A deuteron is a bound state of a neutron and proton. ...
    (rec.arts.sf.science)
  • Re: Why hydrogen does not have a neutron?
    ... >,;>one proton doesn't really fly. ... >,;>issue there is a net stabilization when a neutron is added. ... >,;>Given the right time under conditions that overcome the considerable ... Deuterium was formed in Planck's time??? ...
    (sci.chem)