Nuclear Powered Spacecraft, Part 4
Nuclear Powered Spacecraft Part 4 : Let's talk about what is meant by the fuel in this case! In nuclear-powered spacecraft, the term "fuel" can refer actually to two distinct components depending on whether the goal is to generate electricity (to run the spaceship) or thrust (to move the spaceship). Unlike chemical rockets that burn fuel and oxygen, nuclear systems use heat from radioactive decay or fission to create thrust or electricity. Plutonium-238 decays into Uranium-234, emitting an alpha particle, made of two protons and two neutrons; source: NASA. 1. The Nuclear Material (Energy Source) This is the radioactive material that undergoes decay or fission to produce heat. It does not leave the spacecraft; it acts as a "furnace" or battery. For Electricity ( RTGs ): Most deep-space probes (like Voyager or Curiosity) use Plutonium-238. It is not a "fission" fuel like in a power plant; instead, it naturally decays, releasing heat that is converted in...