The discussion centers on the potential speed a spaceship could achieve in space when propelled by the force of an atomic blast, specifically referencing the Project Orion nuclear propulsion concept. It concludes that if a spaceship is impervious to the effects of an atomic explosion, the velocity could be significantly influenced by the vaporized casing of the bomb, which would impact the pusher plate of the spacecraft. The conversation highlights that multiple detonations could allow the ship to exceed the speed of the bomb fragments, similar to how rockets operate independently of exhaust velocity.
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Aaronvan said:But even if the bomb was not directly connected, the vaporized casing would impinge on the pusher plate (say) of the space craft. It seems with enough bombs the ship would approach the velocity of the vaporized casing.