Yes. It is called a cataclysmic converter.
Would this think spew radioactive material exhaust all the way there and back?
Do they make a catalytic converter for that?
Well not exactly ‘spew.’ Since the propulsion is small contained nuclear explosions spread liberally might be better - however, the radiation emitted is hardly anywhere near the radiation found in space. In short, no one would notice.
Yes. It is called a cataclysmic converter.