RocketStar is developing reusable single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicles powered by its FireStar™ Fusion Drive, which utilizes aneutronic nuclear fusion to enhance thrust performance by 50% compared to traditional thrusters. This technology addresses the inefficiencies of conventional multi-stage rockets, enabling faster and more cost-effective access to space.
Funding
$2M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current multi-stage rocket systems are inefficient and costly, hindering frequent and affordable access to space. Traditional rocket engines lack the thrust performance needed for single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicles, requiring complex staging and increasing operational expenses.
Solution
RocketStar is developing a reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle powered by its innovative FireStar™ Fusion Drive. This fusion-enhanced electric propulsion system significantly boosts thrust performance compared to conventional rocket engines by harnessing aneutronic nuclear fusion. By introducing boron into the thruster's water-fueled pulsed plasma exhaust, high-speed protons collide with boron nuclei, triggering a fusion reaction that enhances thrust. The FireStar™ Foundation thruster, which maneuvers satellites and spacecraft with water, underlies the FireStar™ Fusion Drive.
Target Audience
RocketStar targets the commercial space industry, government agencies, and research institutions seeking cost-effective and frequent access to space, as well as defense and intelligence communities requiring advanced communication and signal processing capabilities.
Features
- FireStar™ Fusion Drive: Fusion-enhanced pulsed plasma electric propulsion for increased thrust
- FireStar™ Foundation Drive: Water-fueled thruster for satellite maneuvering, orbit raising/phasing, de-orbit, drag makeup, and attitude control
- Aerospike engine design: Combines efficiency and power, providing 25-35% more thrust than conventional rocket engines without extra fuel
- Thrust vectoring: Individually controlled combustion chambers eliminate the need for heavy gimbals or actuators
- Phoenix Eye™ SignalBoost: LPI/D capabilities for tactical radio communications, detecting signals below the noise floor
- Phoenix Eye™ SignalPrint: Unique identification of specific transmitters, even if identical in design
- Phoenix Eye™ SyncWave: Digital signal processing software that removes grating lobes in Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA) receivers
- PhoenixEye™ OmniPNT: GPS-denied positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution using radio waves from celestial objects