"Stuff like this is supposed to be theoretical, but Stile and her team never liked stopping at theoretical."

- Vue Davies, Chancellor of the University of Oxford-Luton

The University of Oxford-Luton prides itself in its aerospace team, of which Leonora Stile was a leading member. During her time there, her team ended up developing a variant of the Laine engine, which - for years - could only be theorized by physicists, chemists and engineers internationally.

Stile introduced the MPT, which was a significant advancement in controlled thermonuclear fusion technology, achieving remarkable results within the confines of a compact spacecraft. In the HS300, these are vessels that are roughly the size of a minivan.

Overview

The propulsion system of HS300 racecraft is based on fusion technology. This system combines the principles of nuclear fusion with advanced engineering to deliver exceptional thrust-to-weight ratios, enabling the spacecraft to achieve and maintain the extreme speeds and rapid accelerations required for competitive racing. The compact nature of these racecraft necessitates a propulsion system that is both highly efficient and capable of operating safely within the constraints of the planet's atmosphere.

Reactor

To run this system, it uses a Micro-Toroidal Fusion Reactor (MTFR), a compact and highly efficient fusion device that generates energy by fusing isotopes of hydrogen - specifically deuterium and tritium - at extremely high temperatures. The MTFR uses a sophisticated arrangement of superconducting magnets to confine and create a stable toroidal magnetic field that contains and compresses the plasma where fusion occurs.

Its compact design is made possible by the use of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) that operate at higher temperatures compared to traditional superconductors, reducing cooling requirements and allowing the reactor to maintain stability without bulky cryogenic systems. The energy produced by the fusion reaction is harnessed in the form of high-velocity charged particles, which are directed towards the spacecraft's propulsion system to generate thrust.

Plasma Propulsion System

The energy output from the MTFR is converted into thrust through the Plasma Propulsion System (PPS). This system consists of a series of magneto-plasma dynamic thrusters (MPDTs), which accelerate the fusion-generated plasma to extremely high velocities, expelling it out of the racecraft to produce thrust. MPDTs utilize powerful electromagnetic fields to accelerate the plasma, achieving exhaust velocities far greater than those possible with conventional chemical rockets.

MPDTs are arranged in a vector-able configuration, allowing the spacecraft to precisely control its direction of thrust. This vectoring capability is crucial for the agile maneuvers required during racing, enabling rapid changes in velocity and direction without compromising stability. MPDTs are also equipped with advanced magnetic nozzle technology, which shapes and focuses the plasma exhaust to maximize thrust efficiency and minimize energy losses.

Energy/Heat Management

Given the enormous energy output of the MTFR and the extreme temperatures involved in plasma propulsion, the spacecraft is equipped with a dynamic energy management system (DEMS). This system regulates the distribution of power from the fusion reactor to the propulsion system, onboard systems, and other critical components. DEMS is capable of rapidly adjusting power levels in response to the ship's current demands, ensuring that the spacecraft maintains optimal performance.

Heat dissipation is another key challenge in fusion-based propulsion, particularly in the confined space of a compact racing spacecraft. The spacecraft's hull is embedded with thermoelectric heat dissipation panels (THDPs) that convert excess heat into electricity, which is then fed back into the DEMS or stored in high-density energy cells for later use. These panels are designed to withstand the intense thermal loads generated by the fusion reactor and propulsion system, maintaining the spacecraft's internal temperature within safe limits.

Additionally, excess heat is relieved through radiative cooling arrays (RCAs), a network of heat radiators strategically positioned along the hull. RCAs work in conjunction with THDPs to manage heat during the most demanding workloads.