Physics

Aerospace engineering

Ion thruster

Spacecraft propulsion

Work (physics)

In-space propulsion technologies

Space exploration

Propulsion

Engineering

Rocket (weapon)

Systems engineering

Aeronautics

Computer science

Solar System

Mechanical engineering

Astrobiology

Journal of the British Interplanetary Society

Future space exploration, and in particular rapid manned exploration, requires propulsion systems that are much more advanced than present-day systems. The paper discusses the concept of the nuclear pulse rocket and reviews some of the history of the work carried out on this concept over the last 25 years. The external system (explosion outside the vehicle) and the internal system (explosion inside the vehicle) are compared. The capabilities of nuclear pulse systems are examined, demonstrating the striking advantage of this system over other concepts. Efforts should be concentrated on a program designed to develop nuclear pulse propulsion as a tool for exploiting the solar system. Ample bibliography is included.

Nuclear pulse propulsion - A historical review of an advanced propulsion concept