Written by Kapil Ramasubramanian
In the current sphere of technological progress, drones stand at the forefront, encapsulating massive potential for development. Despite this, a key challenge persists: the sustainability of drone power usage. In a world where drones are the center of attention and have one of the most potential in technological development space, a drawback encountered during the usage of technology yields many issues with the lack of sustainability in a drone’s power usage. However, an exciting concept - albeit imaginary given current technological constraints - posits the potential of nuclear fusion as a nearly "limitless" carbon-free power source for drones. The use of nuclear fusion allows for the production of an energy source that is nearly "limitless" and a form of carbon-free baseload energy.

What is Nuclear Fusion, and why is it "unlimited"?
Nuclear Fusion is often hailed as a promising future solution to the global energy crisis due to its efficiency in maximizing energy output while minimizing input requirements. This energy production method could profoundly alter how we satisfy our energy needs and decrease our reliance on conventional fuel sources. Additionally, this remarkable efficiency of nuclear fusion could lead to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future for generations to come.
The process involving the collision and fusion of light elements such as hydrogen, helium, and lithium isotopes lead to the creation of fusion energy. When these elements are brought together under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure, the atomic nuclei merge, leading to the formation of heavier elements. This fusion reaction, also responsible for powering the sparkling stars that fills our night (and the sun that brightens our day!), unleashes a tremendous amount of energy, surpassing any other known energy source.
Einstein’s equation E=mc^2, states that energy (E) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by the speed of light (c) squared. In the context of nuclear fusion, this equation demonstrates that a small amount of matter can be converted into an enormous amount of energy. Since the mass of the participating elements in a fusion reaction is minuscule compared to the energy released, the potential for producing vast amounts of fusion energy is theoretically unlimited.

New streamlined technique to simplify the design of nuclear fusion reactors developed by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
How can fusion energy be used in a drone?
Though the figured-out science of nuclear fusion has shown much promise and potential, significant practical challenges like its efficiency and decreased maneuverability. However, a futuristic solution to this issue is drones that can be used as fusion reactants that have the ability to travel anywhere. Advancements to this technology may allow for the autonomous maintenance and increased sustainability of these flying reactors for months at a time without recharging.
However, one challenge to overcome is the radiation emitted by the reactors, which could heavily damage the onboard electronics present in a drone. To counteract this, drones would need to be equipped with radiation-hardened electronics, maintaining the integral features of the technology while ensuring the drone remains unaffected by the radiation.
A drone that encompasses this vision is not too far in time. This drone technology will plausibly display advancements in the current state of fusion longevity in terms of less maintenance of reactors: along with technologies that accomplish this, to develop to become commercially viable. This vision pictures a flying quadcopter, the size of a palm, made out of transparent plastic and printed circuit material. The conservation of its battery by attaching to magnets on metal plates allows for a drone that can fly for exponentially longer periods after a single charge. Along with a pulley & cord system, this drone would be able to lower itself to the floor similar to a spider and autonomously create fusion energy using the drone's in-built fusion reactors. Such energy could generate power that can be used to drive the drone's propulsion system for longer periods of time, charge its onboard devices, and most importantly, provide excess electricity that can be transferred to other devices at designated locations.

Prototype of an electrostatic design for a fusion reactor drone that effectively recirculates ions millions of times per second to force them to undergo fusion
In addition to its primary functions, the advanced drone envisioned could serve as a mobile power station, capable of delivering electricity to specific locations based on real-time alerts received from a centralized database. While providing power to the designated device or location, the drone's fusion reactors would simultaneously charge its battery, utilizing a portion of the energy generated to sustain its flight and operational capabilities. This innovative approach ensures the drone's self-sufficiency and continuous functionality, enabling it to fulfill its charging tasks while maintaining its power reserves for extended missions and uninterrupted service. The possibilities of new innovation are truly endless.
Another area for exploration is the utilization of nuclear reactors, is in vehicles. This topic has already been witnessed in the modern era, with examples such as nuclear submarines and nuclear aircraft carriers. These remarkable vessels have harnessed the power of nuclear energy to propel themselves efficiently and maintain extended operational capabilities without the need for frequent refueling. The concept of nuclear-powered aircraft has been explored in the past, although practical implementation remained elusive due to technological limitations and safety concerns. However, this rich history of nuclear-powered vehicles sets the stage for the next frontier: a drone that encompasses the vision of fusion technology.
The Risks Associated with Fusion Reactor Drones
The fusion reactor drones, as revolutionary as they may be, also come with inherent risks that need to be addressed. From a political standpoint, there is a concern that this technology could potentially fall into the wrong hands, posing a threat to national security or being misused for destructive purposes. Moreover, the stigma surrounding nuclear power in today's political environment may generate substantial controversy and resistance, making the adoption of such drones challenging.
An environmental concern lies in the creation of radioactive waste resulting from the fusion reactions. The emission of radioactive particles from these drones' reactors raises potential hazards and the need for careful management and disposal of such waste. Thus, while the fusion reactor drones offer tremendous potential, careful consideration and mitigation of these risks are crucial to ensure their safe and responsible deployment.
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