NUCLEAR ROCKETS: BASIC PRINCIPLES

A comparison is made of the nuclear and chemical rockets with respect to attainable velocity and dead weight. In single-stage rockets it is shown that the nuclear rocket is superior to the chemical rocket for satellite and escape missions. For large payloads (over 10 tons) it is superior for all missions. In multistage rockets it is concluded that the nuclear rocket will outperform any chemical system in carrying large payloads on high-burnout-velocity missions. (J.S.R.)