[tricky_k_1972]

This is an article that I thought that some of you might be interested in since we have been talking about NASA's new initiative. True this Was written awhile back, but it's still interesting for what can be done if only we would try.

For all those interested on why projects like X-33, Venturestar or any other SSTO (Single stage to Orbit) eventually fail in today's world without the use of Nuclear power from an engineering standpoint, I will direct you here:

The Cold Equations Of Spaceflight

The Freeper discusion on the topic:

The Cold Equations Of Spaceflight

[prophetic]

I've been dreaming to see this for YEARS now.

[tricky_k_1972]

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[rightwingcrazy]

The main obstacles to nuclear propulsion seem to be political rather than technical.

[playball0]

ping

[Centurion2000]

Damn, we should do this asap.

1000 ton payloads make a big interplantary craft in a hurry.

[Sergio]

bookmark

[JamminJAY]

You said the 'N' word with SSTO.
Paging EPA.
Oh yes and Paging DHS
I'd page EDF but it's Friday and they are stoned already having a Bush blood orgy on the DU.
:)

[JohnBovenmyer]

He neglects discussing how to reenter his creation. His model, the Saturn V, wasn't designed for that task. He may have the power, but do his engines have the precise control needed for a soft landing? What design compromises will be needed and how much mass will he have to add to make that work?

I love the proposed power source. Even if we can build a space elevator, perhaps the most efficient possible way to LEO, a power plant like this would improve getting around the solar system. If it can be made to work it surely creates better options for spaceflight. Much of the power plant testing could be done safely on ground. The main ground test limitation would be the effects of variable acceleration, from zero to a few G, on the plumbing of the thing.

[chaosagent]

Great!

[Paul_Denton]

Very Cool. I wish one would get built!

[SuziQ]

Check this out!

[Las Vegas Dave]

Ping!

[Decepticon]

Fission reactor with a leak, I like it. I would much rather see this built in orbit for fast (real fast) trips to the Moon and Mars and a rebuild of the Saturn 5 to boost the required hardware. Enviro weenies can't complain and the Saturn 5's safety record was 100%. Not to mention, the Saturn 5 was just cool.....

[meema]

We definitely need a far more powerful engine, most likely nuclear, to do any of these far away trips. What we use now is simply not capable.

[KevinDavis]

[KevinDavis]

[King Prout]

a few years ago I stumbled across a project in Florida concerning a new type of solid-core nuclear hydrogen rocket.

I lost the link at some point.

IIRC - the core was to be 1m in diameter, made from a stack of ten fissile grids, each 10cm thk.

do you know anything about this project?

as to this article - I like it. Sounds worth pursuing aggressively.

[solitas]

How big a hole in the ground is this thing gonna leave behind it on liftoff?

[Steve Van Doorn]

You may have an easier time building this through private industry, they could set up shop in some remote location (none US territory) that would allow nuclear testing to take place.

It is a great idea though.

[SunkenCiv]

Ping!