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Nuclear Powered Spacecraft Part 3 The primary differences between a nuclear reactor in a terrestrial power plant and one for a spacecraft lie in their size, power output, fuel type, cooling mechanism, and specific function (power vs. propulsion). Essentially, ground-based reactors are built for scale and efficiency on the ground, while spacecraft reactors are optimized for minimal mass, durability, and the unique challenges of the space environment. Let's talk about NTP, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion again in more detail.  Nuclear thermal propulsion , NTP for short, uses a nuclear reactor not to make electricity as Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), but to make things extremely hot. That heat turns liquid hydrogen into a furious, expanding gas, which rushes out the nozzle and pushes the spacecraft forward. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion is a high-efficiency rocket technology using a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant (like liquid hydrogen) to extreme temperatures, expelling it thro...

Nuclear Powered Spacecraft Part 2 Nuclear-powered spacecraft use nuclear energy for power or propulsion, enabling missions beyond the reach of solar power and reducing travel times. Common types include radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for consistent power, nuclear thermal rockets (NTRs) which use a reactor to heat a propellant, and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems that convert reactor heat into electricity to power ion thrusters. While some early systems have been in space, renewed focus is on developing more powerful systems for deep-space exploration.  We have already wrote about NEP and NTR systems in previous article Nuclear powered spacecraft (Part 1) .  Many nuclear-powered spacecraft are currently operational, primarily using radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for electricity and heat in deep space, or on the planetary surface. These include the Voyager 1 and 2 probes, the New Horizons spacecraft, and the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars...