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Lochkeed Martin announces microfusion prototype by 2015
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Indahmawar Fazmarai
#1 - 2014-10-16 13:06:28 UTC
Derrick Miles
Death Rabbit Ky Oneida
#2 - 2014-10-16 14:02:29 UTC
Lockheed Martin is about as big a name as it gets and Skunk Works is no joke. This looks like it could really be something incredible.
Ama Scelesta
#3 - 2014-10-16 15:07:34 UTC
Video linked on that page says "We think we can get to a prototype in 5 years." "High risk, high payoff endeavor." I've heard this "10 years to a working power plant" -spiel for the past 20. I think I'll get excited when they actually have a working prototype, instead of just an ad video that is there specifically to attract partners for their project.
Baneken
Arctic Light Inc.
Arctic Light
#4 - 2014-10-17 21:11:37 UTC
Ama Scelesta wrote:
Video linked on that page says "We think we can get to a prototype in 5 years." "High risk, high payoff endeavor." I've heard this "10 years to a working power plant" -spiel for the past 20. I think I'll get excited when they actually have a working prototype, instead of just an ad video that is there specifically to attract partners for their project.


Problem is that they have had several prototypes over the years but fusion is something that you can't just simply size up, unlike with a conventional fission reactors.
baltec1
Bat Country
Pandemic Horde
#5 - 2014-10-17 21:52:33 UTC
Baneken wrote:
Ama Scelesta wrote:
Video linked on that page says "We think we can get to a prototype in 5 years." "High risk, high payoff endeavor." I've heard this "10 years to a working power plant" -spiel for the past 20. I think I'll get excited when they actually have a working prototype, instead of just an ad video that is there specifically to attract partners for their project.


Problem is that they have had several prototypes over the years but fusion is something that you can't just simply size up, unlike with a conventional fission reactors.


I think the latest gen fusion reactor ran for 30 min and managed to produce more energy than it used. UK and France are building an even more advanced reactor right now
Kaaeliaa
Tyrannos Sunset
#6 - 2014-10-18 09:35:50 UTC
Ama Scelesta wrote:
Video linked on that page says "We think we can get to a prototype in 5 years." "High risk, high payoff endeavor." I've heard this "10 years to a working power plant" -spiel for the past 20. I think I'll get excited when they actually have a working prototype, instead of just an ad video that is there specifically to attract partners for their project.


This is code.

"5 years" means "we only have one completely insurmountable problem with our design, money plz"
"10 years" means "there is more than one completely insurmountable problem with our design, money plz"
"20 years" means "we don't even have a design yet, money plz"

"Do not lift the veil. Do not show the door. Do not split the dream."
Souxie Alduin
Anarchy in the Eve
#7 - 2014-10-19 20:33:24 UTC
Lockheed announced this at Google Solve for X 18 months ago. This is just a PR stunt to get more investors.

It would be awesome if it works, but color me skeptical. No one has been able to reach break-even yet, so there's still a long way to go.

For a good overview of current fusion research (and all kinds of other awesome stuff), see here:

http://nextbigfuture.com/
Souxie Alduin
Anarchy in the Eve
#8 - 2014-10-20 22:42:12 UTC
^^Speaking of. They just posted a great overview of current fusion research. Lots of juicy details.

http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/10/updated-prospects-for-commercial.html
Jandice Ymladris
Aurora Arcology
#9 - 2014-10-21 08:03:34 UTC
That's a great overview indeed Souxie!

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