  The main purpose of this work is to perform an analysis of realistic new
trajectories for a robotic mission to Saturn's largest moon, Titan, in order to
demonstrate the great advantages related to the Direct Fusion Drive (DFD). The
DFD is a D -$^3$He fuelled, aneutronic, thermonuclear fusion propulsion system.
This fusion propulsion concept is based on a magnetically confined field
reversed configuration plasma, where the deuterium propellant is heated by
fusion products, and then expanded into a magnetic nozzle, providing both
thrust and electrical energy to the spacecraft [1]. The trajectories
calculations and analysis for the Titan mission are obtained based on the
characteristics provided by the PPPL [1]. Two different profile missions are
considered: the first one is a thrust-coast-thrust profile with constant thrust
and specific impulse; the second scenario is a continuous and constant thrust
profile mission. Each mission study is divided into four different phases,
starting from the initial low Earth orbit departure, the interplanetary
trajectory, Saturn orbit insertion and the Titan orbit insertion. For all
mission phases, maneuver time and propellant consumption are calculated. The
results of calculations and mission analysis offer a complete overview of the
advantages in term of payload mass and travel time. It is important to
emphasize that the deceleration capability is one of the DFD game changer: in
fact, the DFD performance allows to rapidly reach high velocities and
decelerate in even shorter time period. This capability results in a total trip
duration of 2.6 years for the thrust-coast-thrust profile and less than 2 years
considering the continuous thrust profile. The high payload enabling
capability, combined with the huge electrical power available from the fusion
reactor, leads to a tremendous advantage compared to present technology.
