Muon-catalyzed fusion on thin-atmosphere planets or moons using cosmic rays for muon generations

Abstract

A method is provided for heating or lighting a designated local area of a planet, moon or other space body in the presence of an ambient flux of cosmic rays by employing either or both muon-catalyzed or particle-target fusion of deuterium-containing fuel material. A series of packages of the fuel are directed to a location that is a specified distance from the local area to be heated or illuminated, for example at a specified altitude above that local area. The fuel material is then released, e.g. chemical explosive, to form a localized cloud that is exposed to and interacts with the ambient flux of cosmic rays and with muons generated from the cosmic rays. The resulting nuclear micro-fusion produces energetic reaction products together with usable heat and light radiating from the localized cloud of material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.