Spacecraft propulsion obtained through frequent controlled explosions of specially modified nuclear or thermonuclear explosive devices under the spacecraft.
Questions tagged [nuclear-pulse-propulsion]
25 questions
15
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3 answers
Feasibility of Project Orion
How feasible was Project Orion and how feasible would it be if started today? Specifically, what would be the real world impact of nuclear fallout? And, would there be methods to mitigate or eliminate the fallout, so Project Orion could became a…
matthew spear
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Are bigger Orion drives more efficient?
I've heard that the larger the pusher plate of an Orion drive, the more efficient it is. Eg: a 20 m Orion drive would be far better than a 6.6 m one.
Is this true? If so, why?
Source
Are these 6.6 m designs as good as a larger-diameter one?
Anton Hengst
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Small Deuterium bombs
With regards to Project Orion, nuclear pulse engine, could the 0.015 kiloton up to 0.35 kiloton Deuterium/Lithium bombs proposed by Freeman Dyson be constructed? Could they be built to leave a small to insignificant amount of radioactive fallout in…
John
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Have prospects for nuclear pulse propulsion improved?
It's been over 50 years since nuclear pulse propulsion using shaped charge fission warheads was first proposed. Have there been any significant technological improvements over the last 50 years that would make this concept work better? Do composites…
Schlusstein
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Could fusion of Deuterium + Helium3 be started using conventional explosives?
In regards to project Orion, using conventional explosives for a radiation free launch and in the range of 0.03 up to 0.35 kilotons.
What is the smallest amount of fissionable material needed to start nuclear fusion of Deuterium + Helium3?
If not…
John
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