Why Kronos Skips D–T-First

Most compact-fusion programs start with easy-to-ignite D–T. Kronos commits to low-neutron D–³He from the outset, because the whole value — direct conversion, low activation — depends on it.

Common path

D–T first (easiest), advanced fuel later

Kronos path

D–³He from the start (D–T only for commissioning)

Why

DEC + low-neutron is the value proposition

Cost

A harder plasma problem, stated openly

Most compact-fusion programs target deuterium–tritium first, because it's the easiest fuel to ignite, and treat advanced low-neutron fuels as a distant upgrade. Kronos takes a different bet: it commits to D–³He from the outset, using D–T only as a brief Stage-0 commissioning fuel.

The reason is that the entire Kronos value proposition depends on being low-neutron. Direct energy conversion only works on charged particles; the compact center-stack shield only fits because there are few neutrons; the 30-year first-wall life only holds at low wall loading. A D–T machine forecloses all of that — so starting D–T-first would mean building a fundamentally different, neutron-heavy plant.

The honest cost is that D–³He is a harder plasma problem — higher temperature, a real confinement requirement, a hot-ion bet — which Kronos states openly and tests at its gates. It's a bigger bet for a bigger prize. See what makes Kronos different.