This is really the most comprehensive write-up of nuclear fusion R & D I've ever come across. However, the conclusions aren't that hopeful for the notion of nuclear fusion as a useful energy source anytime soon. On the technological scale, it seems closer to the likelihood of terraforming Venus, rather than the much more feasible notion of colonizing Mars.
Basically it seems like the ICF method is more effective and as an experimental system, uses much less tritium, but using it to drive a power production system (converting heat to electric power) is much more difficult than with the MCF system, if even possible. The MCF system on the other hand seems nowhere near reaching breakeven.
Basically it seems like the ICF method is more effective and as an experimental system, uses much less tritium, but using it to drive a power production system (converting heat to electric power) is much more difficult than with the MCF system, if even possible. The MCF system on the other hand seems nowhere near reaching breakeven.