Nuclear thermal propulsion

Nuclear thermal propulsion uses a nuclear core to heat a propellant and provide propulsion to a space vehicle.

History of nuclear thermal propulsion

American

Nerva

Analysis of use

Advantages

• Higher ISP than chemical
• Higher power energy source
• Shorter travel time
• Oberth effect
• Self cooling

Disadvantages

• Cost
• Cost of development
• Risk of accident
• Lower ISP than electric
• Low public trust
• Thrust to weight ratio usually lower than 1 (cannot take off from a planet)

Types

• Solid core
• Gas core
• Nuclear light bulb, open and closed