Revolutionizing Rocket Engines: The Power of Direct Fusion and Fission Reactions

In summary, the conversation discusses the shortcomings of current nuclear rocket engine designs and proposes the use of direct fission and fusion reactions for propulsion. The idea of using fission and fusion for thrust is compared to the Orion project, which is considered cleaner and within the required Isp ranges. The conversation ends with a reference to the famous phrase "live long and prosper."
  • #1
u235
12
0
[Note: hi everyone, this is my first post, my name is U235 or more conversly Dion. I am 16]


Why is it everytime i look over schematics for the next nuclear rocket engine the design's are completley blindsided to nuclear physics and the harnessing of direct fusion and fission reactions.
They all seem to depict a stupid design for increasing terminal velocity of hydrogen fuel and expanding it in the combusion chamber for propulsion purposes via a nuclear reactor. Surley this type of design should be outlawed to the fact that massive thermal constraints weigh on the design, and the engine must be always on in most design cases making it expendable. But the most infuriating -wrong- design facet is the lack to use direct fission + fusion for propulsion possibilities.
 
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  • #2
Why don't you go and build one then you could be famous or something.




day without sunshine is...like well......scary!
 
  • #3
How do you propose to get thrust from fission?

Are you talking about something like the Orion project?
 
  • #4
It's clean and within required Isp ranges. Why mess
with radiation instead ?!

Live long and prosper.
 

1. What is a nuclear rocket engine?

A nuclear rocket engine is a type of propulsion system that uses nuclear energy to heat and accelerate a propellant, such as liquid hydrogen, to generate thrust. Instead of burning fuel like traditional rocket engines, nuclear rocket engines use the energy from a nuclear reactor to heat the propellant and produce thrust.

2. How does a nuclear rocket engine work?

A nuclear rocket engine works by using a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, such as liquid hydrogen, to extremely high temperatures. The heated propellant is then expelled through a nozzle at the back of the engine, creating thrust and propelling the spacecraft forward.

3. What are the advantages of using nuclear rocket engines?

Nuclear rocket engines offer several advantages over traditional chemical rocket engines. They are more efficient, allowing for longer and faster space missions. They also have a higher specific impulse, meaning they can produce more thrust with less propellant. Additionally, nuclear rocket engines do not require oxygen from the atmosphere, making them suitable for long-term space travel.

4. Are there any safety concerns with nuclear rocket engines?

While there are some safety concerns with nuclear rocket engines, they are designed with multiple layers of protection to prevent any accidents. The nuclear reactor is typically housed in a protective shield that can withstand extreme temperatures and radiation. In the event of an emergency, the reactor can be shut down and the propellant can be safely vented into space.

5. What are the potential uses for nuclear rocket engines?

Nuclear rocket engines have the potential to greatly enhance space exploration and travel. They can be used for long-term missions to distant planets or for faster travel within the solar system. They could also be used for launching larger payloads into orbit or to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and other celestial bodies.

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