Nuclear Propulsion
Nuclear propulsion is a technology that uses nuclear reactions to accelerate propellants, generating thrust to propel a spacecraft. The most common type of nuclear propulsion uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, which then expands through a nozzle to create thrust. Nuclear propulsion offers several advantages over chemical propulsion, including higher specific impulse, which means more efficient use of propellant, and higher thrust, which means faster travel times. However, nuclear propulsion also presents several challenges, including the need for radiation shielding and the potential for nuclear accidents. Despite these challenges, nuclear propulsion has been used successfully in several space missions, including the Voyager and Cassini spacecraft.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Simulation: Simulation is the process of creating a virtual model of a space mission or system, which can be used to test and evaluate the performance of the system under different conditions. This can include simulating the behavior of spacecraft, roc ... Read More >>
- Launch Complex: A launch complex is a facility from which rockets and spacecraft are launched. It includes various structures such as launch pads, assembly buildings, fuel storage tanks, and control centers. Launch complexes are designed to provide the nec ... Read More >>
- Demodulation: Demodulation is the process of extracting the original information-bearing signal from a modulated carrier wave. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, demodulation is a crucial step in the reception of signals from spacecra ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06