A very promising approach to a significant reduction of the mass of the gasdynamic mirror (GDM) fusion propulsion system is proposed. It makes use of field-reversal techniques whereby a rotating magnetic field is employed to induce an azimuthal current in the plasma, which in turn gives rise to the desired magnetic field at an appropriate plasma radius in the mirror region. This has the effect of preserving the needed larger plasma mirror ratio without the use of large mirror magnets. This proposal is aimed at an investigation of this approach and how it might apply to the GDM propulsion system. The results generated will constitute the basis of a Phase II proposal aimed at applying this technique to the GDM experiment at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Potential Commercial Application(s) NASA's often stated objective with regard to future space transportation system is that they be faster, cheaper, and better. The field reversed GDM presented in this proposal truly meets these objectives. The very large specific impulse and thrust expected to be generated by the modified GDM would allow it to serve as a space transport for space tourism. In addition to its space application, the GDM device can serve as a neutron source for materials testing for terrestrial fusion power reactors and as a source of radiation for potential applications to radioactive waste disposal considerations.
