Harnessing Atomic Power?

Question

Is there any engine for spacecraft that involves splitting of atoms? Would this work or would it just blow the craft up? Would this be a good method of propulsion through space?

Answer 1

I saw a documentary about Project Orion. Apparently it would have worked, but the detonation of nuclear warheads in space was a big no-no and so the project was shelved. Frankly, nuclear fission is a bit old hat now, a fusion rocket would be much better.

Answer 2

Nuclear powered rocket propulsion, once theorized and developed and tested, has gained a new popularity.Read this:

http://www.design.caltech.edu/erik/Misc/...

Answer 3

There are many nuclear fission propulsion systems, most are theoretical, others have even been ground tested already.

Aside of Project Orion, there are also nuclearthermal propulsion systems (NTR/Kiwi), nuclear electric (Like solar electric), for example the JIMO concept, and gas core rocket engines (Theoretical, but formed the base for some spacecraft in 2001).

Answer 4

no it will not work you should know that when atoms are split up their is lot of energy consumed up and in a jet propulsion we need to gain energy not loose it

Answer 5

Project Orion.

Not too good.  Check out the video.

Answer 6

The concern with the original project Orion wasn't nuclear explosions in space, it was the many nuclear explosions in Earth's atmosphere that would be necessary to launch that spacecraft into orbit or further.   Rendering a large area of the earth's surface uninhabitable and poisoning the rest of the planet to launch spaceships seemed like a really bad idea to most people.  Selfish b******s. Don't they understand the benefits of space exploration?