Reply #8: That's the tragic part.

[Occulus]

It would cost "only" $200M to build WB-7, the prototype device. I should note, Bussard's work was originally funded under a Navy contract and kept classified for a number of years, so there's definitely something to it. Having watched his Google talk (you can see it for yourself here), I must say I'm very impressed. The science seems sound, and Bussard himself said that the two major obstacles at this point are a) funding and b) engineering hurdles.

In other words, all that's lacking is to build and test the thing.

As an aside: some may accuse me of spamming this topic whenever alternative energy subjects arise. I do, and I do it because I think this could well be the 'magic bullet' we're all hoping for, well beyond what solar, wave, or wind power can possibly provide. There are approximately 300,000 years' worth of fuel on Earth for this type of reactor- it uses boron ions, for Christ's sake. Plus, we would not have to concern ourselves with consumption of energy if this device pans out.

So... anyone have $200M just laying about? :D