nuclear propulsion
Fission-powered spacecraft movement
Nuclear propulsion is a method of powering vehicles—typically spacecraft, submarines, and ships—using energy released from nuclear reactions rather than chemical combustion.
In naval vessels, nuclear reactors generate heat to produce steam that drives turbines.
For spacecraft, nuclear propulsion offers advantages over conventional rockets for long-distance missions because nuclear fuel provides far more energy per unit of mass.
The aircraft carrier uses nuclear propulsion and can operate for decades without refueling.
- critical massThreshold for self-sustaining reaction
- VoyagerNASA interstellar mission name
- submarineUnderwater naval craft
- reactor coreCentral fission zone
- control rodsNeutron-absorbing reactor components
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- spaceflightlaunch, astronaut, spacecraft, liftoff, orbit
- propulsionjet, rocket, thrusting, jets, rockets
- rocketryrocket, rockets, rocket fuel, rocket engine, rocket engines
- boat propulsionpropeller, oar, sail, paddle, outboard motor
- naval trainingofficer training, naval training, naval academy, seamanship, cadet training
- Space Propulsionhyperdrive, warp drive, jump drive, rocket engine, hyperspace drive