Nuclear Space Propulsion
Holly Adelhardt 11/19/15
i.How the system creates propulsion.
In nuclear thermal rockets, the energy released is used to heat up the propellant, hydrogen, and accelerate it up to 20,000 Kelvin (over 19,700°C).
ii.The main components of the system.
The main components are the nuclear reactor, propellant line, and nozzle.
iii.Situations where this type of system would be appropriate or the most efficient choice.
A nuclear reactor produces enough energy to propel a craft almost six times faster than chemical rocket engines. Also, less physical fuel is needed. A nuclear spacecraft can be lighter and more spacious, with more room for food, supplies and equipment.
iv.How the energy is converted from fuel form to propulsion.
In a nuclear reaction, neutrons split fissile isotopes, releasing thermal energy, gamma rays and extra neutrons, which heats up the propellant and creates propulsion.
v.The amount of fuel used to make attitude adjustments.
Unknown
In nuclear thermal rockets, the energy released is used to heat up the propellant, hydrogen, and accelerate it up to 20,000 Kelvin (over 19,700°C).
ii.The main components of the system.
The main components are the nuclear reactor, propellant line, and nozzle.
iii.Situations where this type of system would be appropriate or the most efficient choice.
A nuclear reactor produces enough energy to propel a craft almost six times faster than chemical rocket engines. Also, less physical fuel is needed. A nuclear spacecraft can be lighter and more spacious, with more room for food, supplies and equipment.
iv.How the energy is converted from fuel form to propulsion.
In a nuclear reaction, neutrons split fissile isotopes, releasing thermal energy, gamma rays and extra neutrons, which heats up the propellant and creates propulsion.
v.The amount of fuel used to make attitude adjustments.
Unknown
Conclusion Questions
1. Explain how expansion of a fluid being propelled from the space vehicle is related to Newton’s Laws.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so the fluid being pushed out caused the rocket to be propelled in a certain direction.
2. Explain how life span of the vehicle is dependent on the amount of fuel it has and how quickly it is used.
If it has a small amount of fuel and uses it quickly, it will run out and die faster than one that has more fuel or uses it more efficiently.
1. Explain how expansion of a fluid being propelled from the space vehicle is related to Newton’s Laws.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so the fluid being pushed out caused the rocket to be propelled in a certain direction.
2. Explain how life span of the vehicle is dependent on the amount of fuel it has and how quickly it is used.
If it has a small amount of fuel and uses it quickly, it will run out and die faster than one that has more fuel or uses it more efficiently.
Resources
http://trajectory.grc.nasa.gov/projects/ntp/
https://sciencenode.org/feature/i-need-more-speed-scotty.php
http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-nuclear-cryogenic-propulsion/25772/
http://trajectory.grc.nasa.gov/projects/ntp/
https://sciencenode.org/feature/i-need-more-speed-scotty.php
http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-nuclear-cryogenic-propulsion/25772/