IEC breeder for D-He-3 satellite systems

D-He-3 fusion minimizes neutrons and maximizes charged fusion products, enabling Increased energy recovery efficiency by direct conversion However, scarce He-3 terrestrial resources(1) have deterred research & development (R&D) on this alternative. Here, we explore He-3 production through inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) breeders, which supply He-3 to field-reversed configuration (FRC) satellite reactors.(2) The breeder-satellite system is analyzed in terms of energy balance. taking the net energy gain of the overall system as the key parameter. An economic study determines the competitiveness of breeding with respect to He-3 lunar mining, already shown to be an attractive route for commercial exploitation.(3)