Rebiu Posted March 15, 2006 Report Share Posted March 15, 2006 I watched a program on nuclear airplanes the other day. I says the Russian flew one 40 times but the crew died prematurely of radiation and in spewed nuclear pollution in its wake. I seems the US even had a plan for a supersonic nuclear ramjet cruise missile. The technology was applied to space base reactors. If nuclear power is coupled to electric propulsion and atmospheric jets can a vehicle capable of flying into space without the vast fuel requirements be built? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Cobon Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 Look, interesting concept. But here is the catch, we need more information. Here is a potential equation (Energy output of reactor in kilograms per square centimeter - weight of fuel - weight of ship - weight of cargo) = thrust. I think, so here are my questions:1) What type of fuel is it going to be?2) What type of reactor?3) How much energy should you aim for in a reactor?4) How in the world would you make it safe? I mean it is onething to discuss this but how would you feel if it was a real, if slim, possibility that a space vehicle could spill radiation over your home town in a freak accident? It is one thing to discuss this, but a reactor requires decent chunks of material (lots of water to keep the fuel cool, for example) to keep the darn thing from going ballistic (pardon the pun) on you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfiniteNow Posted March 27, 2006 Report Share Posted March 27, 2006 It'd make a cool band name... "And now, ladies and gentleman... direct to you from the music capital of the world, the oasis of the south, Austin, Texas.... Atomic.... AIR... PLAAANNNEEEE...." < cue the electric guitar....> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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