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The concept isn't merely thermal, which was tested in the sixties and seventies with the NERVA concept. No, this is a PULSED thermal rocket engine concept. The difference is that the energy level is turned up and down rapidly to give flash heating. In such a scenario, the propellant can get hotter and thus provide more thrust. The ISP is also higher, making it a candidate for advance rocket engines.
A pulsed rocket thermal engine can make trips to Jupiter and Saturn feasible. On the other hand, maybe you don't really want to go there because of the high radiation. Their moons may be quite interesting, though.
It could make it possible to go to Mars in just 39 days. A faster transit time would be most helpful. For instance, if you wanted to establish a Mars colony of 1 million, you could possibly get the people there, unload, and get back before the 2 year window closed. The vehicle wouldn't be stuck on Mars for two years.
Much could be accomplished with such a concept. But it wouldn't likely ever get approved for a launch from Earth. It could be done on the Moon, perhaps. The video follows:
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