First of all, I'm an opponent of nuclear power here on earth.

But I'm absolutely for nuclear propulsion in space. These rockets can be made safe, the thing to be concerned about is the waste product. Prior to launch, the fuel can be encased safely as was done with the Apollo RTGs. So even the explosion of a fully fueled rocket on the pad will not be a problem. The engine is then only activated once safely in space.

There is no reason by have any panic reaction just because it has the word nuclear in it.