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DownvoteEvangelist t1_j6jv4q5 wrote

Reply to comment by Shrike99 in NASA tested new propulsion tech that could unlock new deep space travel possibilities by Creepy_Toe2680

Probably because you don't get much thrust with that type of engine.

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Shrike99 t1_j6jxdxg wrote

We've had plenty of solar powered electric propulsion since. The Dawn mission was a great example of what electric propulsion can do. Solar power just doesn't scale up well to larger vehicles, or work very well as you get furthur from the sun.

A nuclear electric system has the potential to be much faster than a chemical rocket over long distances, i.e to Mars or especially beyond.

The real issue has been the reluctance to put nuclear reactors into space. SNAP-10A remains the only example the US has ever launched, even though much better designs like the SAFE-400 and KRUSTY have since been developed.

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