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wllsrvive
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Is it possible to make an object travel with a constant acceleration using sustained nuclear chain reaction in space?
Absolutely. The radioactivity isn't much of a concern at all.Freshtictac said:The first thing anyone must consider about space technology is safety. Would you consider volunteering to hop on a radioactive propulsive vehicle knowing you can't get out if something goes wrong?
So are deaths from fire.If in fact you did get out in the event something went wrong, where would you go? Deaths by radiation are not only gruesome but from what i understand extraordinarily painful.
Indeed, such vehicles already exist:Perhaps you consider an unmanned vehicle?
Spacecraft are guided, so that's not an issue.Well, no to that as well. Suppose it's guidance was altered by some undiscovered gravity anomaly and pointed the sucker right at something other then the intended target. Not only would millions of dollars in equipment would be lost but also damage to the unintended target could be catastrophic to possible life there.
russ_watters said:Absolutely. The radioactivity isn't much of a concern at all. So are deaths from fire. Indeed, such vehicles already exist:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_1#NSTAR_ion_engine
That craft fired its engine for just under two years, continuously. It was solar powered, though. Spacecraft are guided, so that's not an issue.
wllsrvive said:Is it possible to make an object travel with a constant acceleration using sustained nuclear chain reaction in space?
You think those rubber gloves protect them against radiation?Freshtictac said:Love how in all the pictures they're wearing protective gloves. The material may be relatively inert, but as Dave stated there's plenty of radiation in space already. I can only guess that in the near future producing more radiation in space will have catastrophic effects throughout. Just as it is inappropriate to dispose of waste here on Earth space will also hold these emission values... Adding to the problem hasn't solved much here where people are barely beginning to understand the impact of pollution.
I understand that many objects in physics may be theoretical. But what's the point of theory if your grandchildren will disprove it.
Freshtictac said:Love how in all the pictures they're wearing protective gloves. The material may be relatively inert, but as Dave stated there's plenty of radiation in space already. I can only guess that in the near future producing more radiation in space will have catastrophic effects throughout. Just as it is inappropriate to dispose of waste here on Earth space will also hold these emission values... Adding to the problem hasn't solved much here where people are barely beginning to understand the impact of pollution.
I understand that many objects in physics may be theoretical. But what's the point of theory if your grandchildren will disprove it.
Freshtictac said:Love how in all the pictures they're wearing protective gloves. The material may be relatively inert, but as Dave stated there's plenty of radiation in space already. I can only guess that in the near future producing more radiation in space will have catastrophic effects throughout. Just as it is inappropriate to dispose of waste here on Earth space will also hold these emission values... Adding to the problem hasn't solved much here where people are barely beginning to understand the impact of pollution.
I understand that many objects in physics may be theoretical. But what's the point of theory if your grandchildren will disprove it.
Freshtictac said:I thought the question was specifically addressed to whether it is possible by today's technological and scientific community. All I've heard is a lot of talk, and not much product. So in theory, which could be debated for decades or more, it could be refined to such a process as Dale suggests. But I wouldn't count on that unless you're smarter then Albert Einstein, who has many theories which have been dis-proven by today's scientific community.
A nuclear chain reaction is a process in which one atomic nucleus splits, releasing energy and particles that can trigger other nuclei to split in a continuous chain. This process is the basis of nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
In space, a nuclear chain reaction can be used to produce thrust by continuously splitting atomic nuclei and releasing energy in a controlled manner. This energy can be harnessed to propel a spacecraft forward at a constant acceleration.
Compared to traditional chemical rockets, a nuclear chain reaction can provide a much higher specific impulse, meaning more efficient use of fuel and longer duration of acceleration. It also allows for a higher top speed and potentially shorter travel times for space missions.
Safety protocols and precautions must be taken when using nuclear technology in space, just as they are on Earth. However, the risk of a nuclear accident in space is relatively low due to the lack of oxygen and other factors that can cause explosions.
If proper safeguards are in place, the impact of a nuclear chain reaction in space on the environment is minimal. The main concern would be the potential release of radioactive material in the event of an accident, but the vastness of space would likely disperse and dilute any harmful effects.