The Space Show by Dr. David Livingston Dr. Young K. Bae joins our Space Show fusion energy group to talk fusion energy, timelines, investment, and more.
We began our discussion with Dr. Bae with a focus on nuclear fusion power and space propulsion. The conversation covered Dr. Bae’s research career, the challenges in developing fusion technology, and potential applications for space. We aimed to conclude with a consensus that both fusion and thorium-based fission could play key roles in future space propulsion, while fission would likely remain the more viable option for terrestrial energy needs. At the start of the program, I reminded listeners of the importance of financially supporting The Space Show, as it is 100% listener-funded. Please see the large Pay Pal button in the middle of the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com.
Young opened by discussing his 40-year career in nuclear fusion power and advanced space propulsion, highlighting breakthroughs such as photonic propulsion and his work on antimatter propulsion with Bob Forward. He structured his remarks into three areas: his pursuit of breakthrough science to advance nuclear fusion, his experience with a fusion startup, and his assessment of the current state of fusion power. His research journey began in the 1980s at UC Berkeley, where his PhD dissertation focused on plasma fusion power generation.
Young described his research on antimatter and cluster fusion across several institutions, including SRI, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. He shared candid insights into the challenges of controversial fusion research and the difficulty of securing funding. Eventually, he joined a now-defunct fusion startup, where he continued exploring cluster and neutronic fusion reactions. He chose not to disclose the company's name.
During his time at the startup in the 1990s, Young realized the company’s funding was based on misleading claims about fusion development timelines. Although he honestly stated that practical fusion was still decades away, company leadership remained uninformed about the scientific challenges. Disillusioned, he left the company. He emphasized that while fusion is often marketed as a clean energy source, it produces significant radioactive waste and faces major technical hurdles—particularly in achieving high fuel gains and ignition temperatures.
The conversation then turned to the current state and challenges of fusion energy. Young expressed skepticism about Helion Energy’s projected 2028 commercial power launch, emphasizing the need for true scientific breakthroughs. He highlighted unresolved issues like plasma instability and the difficulty of achieving net energy output. He compared today’s fusion landscape to the early days of transistor development, underscoring the importance of basic research and sustained funding.
Fusion and fission's potential for space applications was another key topic. Young advocated for focusing fusion research on space propulsion, where its advantages in fuel efficiency and availability could be maximized. He felt terrestrial energy solutions were already mature by comparison. In response to Marshall’s question about optimal magnetic field strength for fusion control, Young noted that while superconducting magnets help, they don’t change the fundamental limits of fusion reactions.
The discussion also covered thorium-based molten salt reactors, which Dr. Kothari described as a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional nuclear reactors. The group discussed the promise of using deuterium and helium-3 as fusion fuels in space, emphasizing the need for an in-space demonstration to validate the technology.
Another highlight of the program was photon propulsion. Dr. Bae explained how regenerators can trap and amplify photon energy, potentially achieving higher thrust efficiencies than chemical thrusters. He also voiced concerns about the fusion field’s slow progress despite heavy investment, suggesting a government-led panel be established to assess the real state of fusion R&D. John Jossy added that while venture capital is pouring into fusion, repeated promises of “fusion in 20 years” continue to raise doubts.
During the Zoom meeting, our Zoom group—including Dr. Bae—discussed the future of large-scale energy. We expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of solar and wind power for global energy needs, instead pointing to fusion and thorium-based fission as more promising. They agreed that fusion propulsion would be essential for space travel, though Kothari highlighted challenges related to weight and infrastructure. The consensus was that fission remains the most practical near-term solution for Earth-based power, while fusion and thorium fission hold greater promise for future space applications.
Our program explored the intersection of fusion energy and space civilization. Dr. Bae proposed writing an article on the topic. John Hunt requested a chart comparing break-even conditions for different fusion types, which Dr. Bae agreed to provide. This chart is now available on our blog at www.thespaceshow.com.
We also briefly discussed potential NASA budget cuts and announced a special Space Show Advisory Board Zoom program scheduled for Sunday, July 27. Details will follow.
Before concluding, I asked Dr. Bae for his thoughts on space-based solar power—don’t miss what he had to say. Finally, we wrapped up with a photo tour of Marshall’s home-built airplane, which he shared with everyone on the call, including Dr. Bae.
This program is archived as an audio-only recording on both The Space Show website and our Substack page at doctorspace.substack.com.
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