Lockheed's Fusion Reactor?

Lockheed-Martin apparently has been working on nuclear fusion, and yesterday they claimed a breakthrough:

Initial work demonstrated the feasibility of building a 100-megawatt reactor measuring seven feet by 10 feet, which could fit on the back of a large truck, and is about 10 times smaller than current reactors, McGuire told reporters.

In a statement, the company, the Pentagon's largest supplier, said it would build and test a compact fusion reactor in less than a year, and build a prototype in five years.

The goal is customer-ready fusion reactors in ten years.

There are good reasons to be skeptical of Lockheed's claim. Lots and lots of good reasons. But if Lockheed can pull it off, they have a built-in customer base already lined up: the Pentagon. Bases need power, and a 100-MW generator small enough so that you could (perhaps) fit five to eight of them on a C-130H, and then fuel them with light, compact tanks of exotic material, would save the Pentagon a lot of logistical headaches. The Navy would almost certainly retrofit their fleet with these as well.

With a customer base like that, widespread civilian fusion power is nearly inevitable.

Of course, that all depends on Lockheed not being full of shit.

Rogue Gallery Show Opening Friday!

I'm going to the opening reception for this show in Medford. See you there? --maxomai

Originally posted by xylograph_rss at Rogue Gallery Show Opening Friday!

http://xylographilia.com/2014/10/17/rogue-gallery-show-opening-friday/

http://xylographilia.com/?p=2891

Tomorrow night I’ll be at Rogue Gallery & Art Center at 40 S. Bartlett St. in Medford, Oregon. The opening night reception will be from 5 – 8PM on Friday, October 17th, so if you’re in the area please drop by and join the festivities! The show will run through November 21st.

Hope to see you there!