Sunbird
12.04.2025
Sunbird
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For Prelims: About Sunbird, What is Nuclear Fusion? |
Why in the news?
Sunbird is a nuclear fusion-powered rocket being developed by Pulsar Fusion, a British startup, to revolutionise interplanetary travel.
About Sunbird
- Sunbird could potentially reach speeds of up to 805,000 km/h, which is faster than the Parker Solar Probe (692,000 km/h), currently the fastest human-made object.
- This technology, if successful, could enable missions to Pluto in just 4 years and cut travel time to Mars by nearly half.
- It aims to revolutionize interplanetary travel by drastically reducing travel time to distant planets like Mars and Pluto.
- An orbital demonstration is scheduled for 2027, marking a major milestone in space propulsion technology.
What is Nuclear Fusion?
- Nuclear fusion replicates the energy generation process of stars, fusing atoms to release energy.
- Unlike fission, fusion is cleaner and offers higher energy output with lower radioactive waste.
Source: Indian Express
‘Sunbird’, recently seen in the news, is best described as which of the following?
A.A nuclear fusion-powered rocket
B.A solar-powered surveillance drone
C.A high-altitude weather balloon
D.A satellite-based early warning system
Answer A