A U.K.-based space propulsion startup has unveiled an ambitious concept for a nuclear fusion rocket that may dramatically shorten the journey to Mars. In a recent video presentation, Pulsar Fusion showcased its Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, a next-generation spacecraft powered by dual direct fusion drive (DDFD) engines.
A Rocket Inspired By Stellar Physics
The Sunbird rocket, according to Pulsar Fusion, is designed to achieve speeds up to 329,000 miles per hour (or over 529,000 kilometers per hour), a velocity that would make it the fastest self-propelled object ever engineered. This leap in speed is made possible by nuclear fusion, the atomic reaction that powers stars, including our own Sun. The company estimates its DDFD engines could produce exhaust speeds of approximately 310 miles per second, or 500 kilometers per second — a significant upgrade from the chemical propulsion systems in use today.
A video released by the company illustrates the Sunbird undocking from such a station, using its eight thrusters to carefully attach to a larger spacecraft, resembling a SpaceX Starship upper stage, before igniting its engines and heading for distant planets.
Aiming For Orbital Fusion By 2027
Though the concept is visually striking and technically promising, Pulsar Fusion acknowledges that much development remains. The company plans to demonstrate essential components of the fusion power system later this year. Full in-orbit tests are targeted for 2027, marking a bold deadline for achieving sustained nuclear fusion in space. If successful, it would mark a major milestone in both aerospace and energy technology.
CEO Richard Dinan stated in an email to Gizmodo that the aim is to build a scalable architecture for deep space transport. By placing the fusion-powered Sunbirds into space-based logistics roles, the company hopes to shift how interplanetary cargo missions are conducted. This includes potentially ferrying commercial payloads — ranging from habitats and rovers to research equipment — across the solar system.
$70M Fusion Rocket Could Spark a Space Cargo Boom
According to Dinan, each Sunbird unit is expected to cost around $70 million once commercially available. But the company argues the investment will pay off quickly. Pulsar Fusion projects that clients could recover their initial outlay in just one to two years by using the rocket for orbital logistics, deep space science missions, or infrastructure deployment. Designed to haul between 2,200 to 4,400 pounds (1,000 to 2,000 kilograms) of cargo, the vehicle could become a vital asset for both government space agencies and private aerospace firms.
The rocket’s versatility extends beyond Mars. According to a report from Payload, Pulsar Fusion envisions its technology powering missions that would transport telescopes to deep space, aid in asteroid mining, or deploy robotic probes throughout the solar system. With increasing global interest in missions to the Moon and Mars, the company believes the Sunbird could emerge as a key player in the evolving space economy.
As Pulsar Fusion accelerates its research and development efforts, it joins a growing field of innovators betting on fusion-based propulsion to unlock faster, more efficient space travel. The possibility of halving Mars travel time with reusable, orbital fusion rockets presents not only a technological leap — but a reimagination of humanity’s reach into deep space.
Cool! At that speed, we could reach Proxima Centauri in “only” 8500-ish years.