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

AI Thread Summary
Current nuclear rocket engine designs often overlook the potential of direct fusion and fission reactions, focusing instead on traditional methods that rely on hydrogen fuel combustion. Critics argue that these designs are flawed due to significant thermal constraints and the requirement for continuous operation, which could render them impractical. There is a call for innovation in propulsion technologies that incorporate direct fission and fusion to enhance efficiency and performance. Some participants reference historical projects like Orion, suggesting that cleaner alternatives should be prioritized over radiation-based methods. The discussion emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in nuclear propulsion design to unlock new possibilities.
u235
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[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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Why don't you go and build one then you could be famous or something.




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

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

Live long and prosper.
 
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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