A fusion reactor is a type of nuclear power plant that uses nuclear fusion for power generation.
Usage
The United Nations Space Command utilizes nuclear fusion reactors to a great degree, from spacecraft to groundside bases. Fusion reactors powered by deuterium-deuterium reactions are used as a power source on UNSC warships. The reactor makes up the main component of a ship's primary propulsion system, known as a fusion drive, which uses vectored drive exhaust to provide thrust.[1][2]
The UNSC has also mastered fusion reactor technology on a remarkably small scale, as demonstrated by the miniature fusion plants mounted on the MJOLNIR armor.[3] Despite their size, these reactors are extremely efficient; the microfusion plant of the MJOLNIR Mark IV was capable of providing power for 15 years of continuous operation.[4] [GEN2] Mjolnir armor are equipped with a compact fusion reactor installed in the back of the armor's torso carapace.[5]
The Covenant employ a more advanced type of fusion power plant, known as the pinch fusion reactor, to power their starships and other machines.[6]
Trivia
Real-world fusion reactors currently require more power than they release, so are not yet an economical means of electricity generation. Promising approaches include doughnut-shaped tokamaks, polywells and laser-driven inertial confinement fusion. In 2014, Lockheed Martin introduced the Compact Fusion reactor which promises to be an economical means of electrical generation.
List of appearances
Sources
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, The Maw
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 275
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 45
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 140
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo Bulletin 9.24.14
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 305