How small could a pusher-plate spacecraft be built?

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The discussion centers on the feasibility of building a smaller pusher-plate spacecraft based on Dyson's 1950s Orion design, which was originally shelved due to the nuclear testing treaty. Participants note that while advancements in technology could allow for smaller designs, efficiency decreases with smaller nuclear devices and plates, making the concept less viable. The spacecraft was initially intended for Earth-launch, and the original calculations accepted the risks of radiation exposure. Current discussions suggest that the U.S. government may be reclassifying related work as secret. Ultimately, the efficiency of nuclear propulsion remains consistent regardless of the launch environment.
Arising_uk
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Hi All,
Not sure if this is the right section but happy if its moved by mods.

Back in the 50's Dyson and his team came up with the Orion pusher-plate spacecraft and the figures looked like it would work. Apparently it was shelved due to the nuclear testing treaty. Now in the style typical of the day they thought big so the craft would be like a flying house. What I want to know is given the advances today how small could we build a pusher-plate spacecraft ?

Many thanks for any replies.
 
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Everything will be possible, but smaller nukes are less efficient and smaller plates capture a smaller fraction of the explosion, so the concept becomes pointless if the spacecraft is not very large.
 
Thanks for your reply.

Given it would not be earth-launched but only used in the vacuum would this make a difference to the efficiency?
 
Arising_uk said:
Thanks for your reply.

Given it would not be earth-launched but only used in the vacuum would this make a difference to the efficiency?

Were nuclear-explosion-powered pusher-plate designs ever envisioned for Earth-launch?
 
Yup! Dyson, et al, had worked out the maths and physics and thought the couple of lives lost to radiation a fair price to pay for such a craft. The reason it was shelved was due to the signing of the nuclear test-ban treaty. Interestingly, and according to his son, the work now appears to be being reclassified as secret by the US govt?
 
Project Orion was planned to be launched from ground.

Nuclear weapons don't care about pressure outside, so the conclusion is independent of where you use them.
 

Thread 'Space Stuff and Launch Info'

Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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