Deep Space 9's fusion core, containing six fusion reactors
A fusion reactor was a type of power-generation device using nuclear fusion of hydrogen isotopes into helium.
Fusion reactors were commonly employed to generate power in a number of facilities. These included starships, space stations, and other installations. In some cases individual homes - especially those on colony worlds - had their own fusion reactors to provide power. (TNG episode: "The Survivors").
Fusion reactors were used to power the impulse engines on Federation starships. In a Galaxy-class each impulse engine had three impulse fusion reactors to provide the power. Additional fusion reactors could be brought online as necessary in the event additional power was required. (TNG reference: Technical Manual)
Fusion reactors were also used to provide power for large facilities. The Delphic Expanse spheres were powered by seven twelve kilometer long fusion reactors. Cardassian Nor-class space stations also used fusion reactors. The fusion core of a Nor-class facility held six fusion reactors, which were more than enough to power the entire station. (ENT episode: "Anomaly"; DS9 reference: Technical Manual)
After Starfleet took over operation of Deep Space 9 they only maintained four of the six fusion reactors as the other two were rated borderline for safety reasons. (DS9 reference: Technical Manual)
In April of 2376 the Jem'Hadar Kitana'klan attempted to destroy DS9 by initiating an overload in the station's fusion reactors. He was successful in starting the overload, but fortunately station personnel were able to jettison the fusion core before it exploded, saving the station. (DS9 novels: Avatar, Book One, Avatar, Book Two)
External links
- Fusion reactor article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Fusion reactor article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
