Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) offers significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion systems, particularly in terms of specific impulse, which is theoretically about twice that of hydrogen-oxygen systems. Current ground tests, such as those conducted with the NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application), have not yet demonstrated in situ deployments, leaving the effectiveness of NTP unproven in actual space missions. The potential exhaust velocity of NTP could reach 4,725,000 m/s, translating to a delta V of 3.63% of the speed of light in a spacecraft with a mass ratio of 10. This positions NTP as a promising technology for future deep space exploration, akin to the Artemis program.
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The space shuttle does have rockets attached to it! It has three main engines (SSME). The large fuel tank contains the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that is pumped through piping between the large tanks and Space Shuttle. The booster rockets (SRBs) provide the propulsion for the large tank. The SRBs then separate when the shuttle gets high enough to atmospheric drag reduces to the point that the tank can travel with the shuttle without being torn away.Josiah said:Hi I was wondering how fast a space shuttle could go, if it didn't have to first escape the earths gravity. As in if it had the rockets attached to it.
That would result in an exhaust velocity of a whopping 4,725,000 m/s (about 1.575% c, a specific impulse of 482,140 seconds). In a ship with a mass ratio of 10, it would have a delta V of 3.63% c. Now you're talkin...