ScienceAugust 3, 2026

deuterium

doo-TEER-ee-um

Definition

A stable isotope of hydrogen that has one neutron in its nucleus, commonly used as fuel in fusion propulsion concepts.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'deuteros', meaning 'second', it was named by Harold Urey in 1931 to designate the second, heavier isotope of hydrogen he discovered.

In the news

In this article, deuterium is identified as a key fuel component for fusion-powered spacecraft, such as the Daedalus and Longshot designs, because of its role in thermonuclear reactions.

Interstellar Travel: the Birth of Fusion Drives

Read the full article ↗

Universe Today

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