I've not heard about any "nuclear gas core" concept. The latest proposal (in the works) for a U235 propulsion system is to first go critical well beyond reaching initial orbit (i.e. Mars insertion burn). Thus, chemical propulsion is exclusively used when in the vicinity of Earth. Also, a H2 moderated reactor results in propulsion via high-temperature Hydrogen with no radionucleii.
Steve > ---------- > From: Adrian Tymes[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 12:09 PM > To: Henry Spencer; ERPS > Subject: [ERPS] Nuclear gas core > > --- Henry Spencer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The big trick > > is maintaining a > > reasonably stable blob of very hot uranium-rich gas > > without having it mix > > with the hydrogen too much (because you don't want > > to lose fission fuel > > out the exhaust) or melt through the walls. > Actually, the big trick has been getting political > approval for developing and launching "new-kuu-lar" > engines, especially when there is a danger that their > exhaust would be rather more radioactive than most > rocket exhaust. > _______________________________________________ > ERPS-list mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://lists.erps.org/mailman/listinfo/erps-list > _______________________________________________ ERPS-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.erps.org/mailman/listinfo/erps-list
