Fusion rocket startup achieves first plasma in exhaust test.

UK-based Pulsar Fusion reported achieving 'first plasma' and successful plasma confinement in tests of its Sunbird exhaust system, a key step for its Dual Direct Fusion Drive engine. The company says it aims to demonstrate core Sunbird components in orbit in 2027.

Pulsar Fusion announced a laboratory demonstration in which its Sunbird exhaust test system produced and confined plasma, a development tied to the company's Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) concept. The Sunbird is described as an orbital transfer vehicle that would dock to other spacecraft to provide sustained thrust rather than carry cargo or crew itself. The company presented the demonstration to an audience at Amazon's MARS Conference while the test was performed in Bletchley, U.K. Pulsar Fusion says it plans an in-orbit demonstration of Sunbird's core components in 2027. Key facts: - Pulsar Fusion reported achieving "first plasma" in its Sunbird exhaust test system and described the event as a successful demonstration of plasma confinement. - The demonstration was performed in Bletchley, U.K., and was live-streamed to the stage at Amazon's MARS Conference in Ojai, California. - The company describes the DDFD engine as targeting a specific impulse of about 10,000 to 15,000 seconds and producing roughly 2 megawatts of power. - Sunbird is presented as a reusable orbital "space tug" that would dock to spacecraft in low Earth orbit to boost them; it would not itself carry cargo or astronauts during those missions. - Pulsar Fusion's website states Sunbird could move a 1,000 to 2,000 kilogram payload to Mars orbit in under six months, according to the company's claims. Summary: The plasma test represents a technical milestone for Pulsar Fusion's DDFD concept and for efforts to develop fusion-powered propulsion. The company plans an in-orbit demonstration of Sunbird core components in 2027. Wider operational use and the construction of orbital docking infrastructure will require additional development and time.