Could we build a nuclear powered, spaceship?

Question

Like a massive one like in Halo or Star Wars? Not to be all science fiction, but could we do it? Could we have huge tourist ships running on nuclear power? I really emphasize the size of the actual ship because you would need a fairly large vessel to house the cooling systems and other things of the like. Any opinions?

Answer 1

yes nuclear powered ship is very possible in the near future.

As it is much cleaner and less expensive. However there is a list of concern regarding having a powered nuclear engine.

There is an inherent possibility of atmospheric or orbital rocket failure which could result in a dispersal of radioactive material, and resulting fallout. Catastrophic failure, meaning the release of radioactive material into the environment, would be the result of a containment breach. A containment breach could be the result of an impact with orbital debris, material failure due to uncontrolled fission, material imperfections or fatigue and human design flaws. A release of radioactive material while in flight could disperse radioactive debris over the Earth in a wide and unpredictable area. The zone of contamination and its concentration would be dependent on prevailing weather conditions and orbital parameters at the time of re-entry

Development of such engines started under the aegis of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1956 as Project Rover, with work on a suitable reactor starting at LANL. Two basic designs came from this project, Kiwi and NRX.

You can find out more at the link below

Answer 2

It's stated that we're going to be flying them within the next 10 years. It's not far beyond our current means. The main problem with fission engines is the controversy over nuclear waste. The Earth's environment could be protected by launching these spacecraft with conventional chemical rockets. Only when the spaceship was well away from the Earth would the nuclear reactors fire up, ensuring that the radioactive waste wouldn't find its way back home. However, the production of radioactive waste would pose a problem for sending manned missions on nuclear spacecraft rather than robotic probes. Many research and projects are being conducted world-wide. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next.

Answer 3

GOOD IDEA it gets rid of the bombs its risky r

Answer 4

Nasa actually worked on one a few years back. JIMO would have used a nuclear powered ion drive to orbit the 3 big icy moons of Jupiter. It would have used an actual fission reactor, not the decaying isotope power sources they use now.

Answer 5

hmm its not possible at the current phase of technology we r in at the current time.

because we have not "mastered" the control over fissin or fusion reactions. and the consequences of any accident will not only result in the death of the passengers of the craft but also the nuclear waste will surely end lives of the innocent.. their generations will be born with high human disorders.. cuse nuvlear waste causes mutation. very risky. if that is possible i mean disposing of nuclear waste then it is a thing to be thought about.. anyways all the best. and lets hope for the best.