Nuclear electric
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Revision as of 08:04, 18 April 2006 by C M Edwards (talk)
Contents
Intro
Nuclear Electric propulsion simply refers to an electric propulsion engine that is powered by a nuclear power source. These vehicles have high a specific impulse. Thus they can move large distances in space without requiring large amounts of propellant. They have more power then solar electric engines. Consequently they can achieve more thrust at a given propellant efficiency (specific impulse).
Probes That Use Nuclear Electric Propulsion
JIMO (Jupiter icy moon obiter).
Nuclear Electric Powered Space Tug
A space tug is a vehicle that stays is space and is used to transport, cargo and satellites in space with minimal expenditure of propellant. Because electric propulsion engines are characterized by high propellant efficiency they provide a suitable vehicle to fulfill this role.
