This invention serves as the fundamental design for a space-based, nuclear-powered spacecraft for deep space journeys. Nuclear energy is used as the motive power for the propulsion. The spacecraft propellant is a gas (such as helium or hydrogen), which is also the coolant for the onboard nuclear reactor. Nuclear energy is converted to thermal energy in the reactor, which heats up the propellant gas. That superheated gas then expands through the spacecraft nozzle and creates the thrust. The nuclear fuel consists of high enriched uranium. The amount of fuel is mission dependent, and requires declaration of payload, and desired speed, which is limited to sub-light for the first generation of this invention. The spacecraft will be assembled in, and launched from low earth orbit. The spacecraft final assembly consists of modular components delivered to low earth orbit from earth by conventional chemical rockets.

This invention serves as the fundamental design for a space-based, nuclear-powered spacecraft for deep space journeys. Nuclear energy is used as the motive power for the propulsion. The spacecraft propellant is a gas (such as helium or hydrogen), which is also the coolant for the onboard nuclear reactor. Nuclear energy is converted to thermal energy in the reactor, which heats up the propellant gas. That superheated gas then expands through the spacecraft nozzle and creates the thrust. The nuclear fuel consists of high enriched uranium. The amount of fuel is mission dependent, and requires declaration of payload, and desired speed, which is limited to sub-light for the first generation of this invention. The spacecraft will be assembled in, and launched from low earth orbit. The spacecraft final assembly consists of modular components delivered to low earth orbit from earth by conventional chemical rockets.