Nuclear Thermal Rocket
A nuclear thermal rocket is a type of spacecraft propulsion system that uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, usually liquid hydrogen, which then expands through a nozzle to generate thrust. The nuclear reactor heats the propellant to very high temperatures, which increases the exhaust velocity and specific impulse of the rocket, allowing it to achieve higher speeds and carry more payload than traditional chemical rockets. Nuclear thermal rockets have been studied extensively since the 1950s and have the potential to revolutionize space exploration by enabling faster and more efficient travel to the outer planets, asteroids, and even other star systems.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Phased Antenna Array: In the context of aerospace engineering, a Phased Antenna Array is a multiple-antenna system that transmits or receives radio waves in a directional manner. This system is designed to direct the beam of radio waves in a specific direction, ... Read More >>
- Hardware Modifications: Hardware modifications refer to the changes made to the physical components of a spacecraft or other space-related equipment to improve its performance, functionality, or durability. These modifications can include upgrades to existing hard ... Read More >>
- Downlink: In the context of aerospace engineering, a downlink refers to the transmission of data from a spacecraft or satellite to a ground station on Earth. This is a critical aspect of space communication systems, enabling the relay of information ... 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