Unleashing the Power of Nuclear Borehole Cannon: Shooting Projectiles into Space

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a borehole and nuclear devices to launch objects into space, as well as the potential difficulties and implications of such a method. The use of tungsten and other materials is also mentioned, along with alternative propulsion systems such as rail-guns and nuclear power. The conversation ends with a quote from Clausewitz about the complexity of warfare.
  • #1
Godspanther
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TL;DR Summary
Can a borehole be used to shoot an object into space using a nuclear charge?
I was just wondering. If one used a shielded tungsten projectile and some small diameter nuclear devices could someone shoot a projectile into space by using a borehole drilled into the Earth like a cannon barrel?
 
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  • #2
Godspanther said:
Summary:: Can a borehole be used to shoot an object into space using a nuclear charge?

I was just wondering. If one used a shielded tungsten projectile and some small diameter nuclear devices could someone shoot a projectile into space by using a borehole drilled into the Earth like a cannon barrel?
Yes one could do such a thing, but then one would likely have a large cavity where the device (say a kt (1 kiloton of TNT equivalent) or so) was detonated, not to mention the neutron-induced transmutation of the surrounding environment and contamination by fission products.

Rather, one might wish to use a rail-gun (electromagnetic) launch system, or a nuclear-power propulsion system. However, if one were to use a nuclear propulsion system, what would be the final disposition of the spent core (nuclear reactor)?
 
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  • #3
Earth’s escape velocity is just above 11 km/s. Ignoring the fact of having to survive the full pressure of a nuclear explosion, air would be a major problem. For comparison, the space shuttle reentry speed was around 8 km/s and it needed significant heat shielding to not burn up in the thinner upper atmosphere. Imagine what would happen to anything traveling at > 11 km/s through the dense lower atmosphere.
 
  • #5
You may be aware of Operation Plumbob
The concrete plug from one leaky underground test was recorded with a vertical speed of 56 km/s which is 5 times escape velocity. Its final disposition is unknown.
Personally I am more fond of project Orion for inappropriate use of nuclear technology. Ya got to dream big.
 
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  • #6
I was not. Very interesting. One of the difficulties of getting objects into space is cost. Obviously this method would not work for anything sensitive like mechanical or electronics but for bulk mass like steel I beams for building space stations or to delivering the tungsten rods needed to arm a Project Thor style satellite it may work. The real difficulty would be releasing the material from the ballistic encasement used to help it survive escape from the atmosphere.
 
  • #7
Godspanther said:
The real difficulty would be releasing the material from the ballistic encasement used to help it survive escape from the atmosphere.
"Everything is very simple in war, but the simplest thing is difficult." Clausewitz
 

1. What is a nuclear borehole cannon?

A nuclear borehole cannon is a powerful device that uses nuclear energy to shoot projectiles into space. It is essentially a large cannon that is powered by nuclear reactions.

2. How does a nuclear borehole cannon work?

The nuclear borehole cannon works by using nuclear reactions to create a tremendous amount of energy, which is then used to propel a projectile at high speeds. The device typically has a long barrel and a nuclear reactor at the base to provide the necessary energy.

3. What are the advantages of using a nuclear borehole cannon?

One of the main advantages of a nuclear borehole cannon is its immense power. It can shoot projectiles at much higher speeds than traditional cannons, making it a more efficient and effective way to launch objects into space. Additionally, it does not require traditional rocket fuel, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment.

4. What are the potential risks and concerns associated with a nuclear borehole cannon?

One of the main concerns with a nuclear borehole cannon is the potential for accidents or malfunctions that could release harmful radiation into the environment. There are also ethical concerns surrounding the use of nuclear energy for weapons or space exploration. Proper safety measures and regulations must be in place to mitigate these risks.

5. What are the potential applications of a nuclear borehole cannon?

A nuclear borehole cannon could have a variety of applications, including launching satellites and other spacecraft into orbit, delivering supplies to space stations, and even mining resources from other celestial bodies. It could also potentially be used as a defense mechanism against incoming asteroids or other threats from space.

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