Nuclear fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process where multiple atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. This is usually accompanied by the release or absorption of large quantities of energy. The process powers active stars, hydrogen bombs and fusion power plants used for electricity generation.

Aside employing traditional fission-based nuclear power, humanity has mastered nuclear fusion as a viable source of energy. Among other uses, it is used in the primary deuterium-based reactors onboard starships, hydrogen-based reactors used to provide power for prefabricated base units, as well as smaller, portable fusion cores used to power equipment.

The Covenant use pinch fusion reactors to power their starships and weapon emplacements. These reactors employ pinched magnetic fields that compress and heat tritium plasma.