Fusion Reactor

An ancient but safe, simple, and reliable technology with many applications.

Utility

For nascent starfaring peoples, the fusion reactor is a necessary step to being able to power and propel spacecraft with any meaningful range or speed. As more powerful energy sources supplant the fusion reactor, they inevitably become miniaturized and prevalent in all walks of life, being integrated into small vehicles or industrial facilities. Like with antimatter, fusion devices can also be used as warheads on projectile weapons.
The Federation persists in using fusion reactors as backup power plants on its spacecraft, due to the lower risk of secondary explosions and ease of repair/starting up.

Access & Availability

With time, every civilization which discovers rudimentary nuclear fission realizes that fusion reactors are safer and more efficient. Being so simple and practical, they are found everywhere in the universe, nestled next to a cyborg's heart or tucked away on a long-range exploratory vessel.