Factors Which Will Influence Early Application of Nuclear Rockets

An approach to the application of nuclear rocket systems is to consider the integration of such systems into the national space vehicle program. Within the framework of the general configuration and the various missions for which these space vehicles are planned the potential performance which nuclear rockets may provide is illustrated. Although a wide range of potential applications is apparent within the limits of consideration, certain practical and technical matterstend to reduce the scope of logical and reasonable choice for initial use. Many of the practical problems involved in nuclear rocket development are reviewed to provide an appreciation for the effort required.