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1950s Orion nuclear rocket, artwork
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1950s Orion nuclear rocket, artwork
1950s Orion nuclear rocket. Artwork of the nuclear pulse propulsion rocket proposed by NASA in the 1950s as part of Project Orion. The rocket is shown orbiting Saturn (seen in background). At the rear of the rocket the red glow shows one of the nuclear pulses being used to propel it. The design had relatively small (one kiloton) nuclear explosions being ignited at a rate of one a second, pushing against a steel plate one metre thick. This is the 6, 000 ton design, intended to take off from Earth, journey to and explore Saturn and its moons, and return to Earth, in fourteen months. The crew module is at upper right. The project was abandoned in the 1960s due to concerns about nuclear fallout
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Media ID 6444167
© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1950s Abandoned Atomic Engine Exploration Exploring Hypothetical Idea Nasa Nuclear Orbiting Orion Plan Planetary Planetary Science Planned Power Proposal Proposed Propulsion Pulse Rocket Rocketry Saturn Saturnian System Solar System Space Craft Space Flight Travelling Vehicle Accelerating
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork showcases the 1950s Orion nuclear rocket, a revolutionary concept proposed by NASA as part of Project Orion. The print depicts the immense power and technological prowess of this atomic-powered spacecraft orbiting Saturn, with its majestic rings visible in the background. A mesmerizing red glow emanates from the rear of the rocket, illustrating one of the nuclear pulses being utilized to propel it forward. The design featured regular small-scale (one kiloton) nuclear explosions ignited at a rapid rate, pushing against an incredibly sturdy steel plate one meter thick. Weighing a staggering 6,000 tons, this particular model was intended for Earth takeoff and would embark on an ambitious fourteen-month journey to explore Saturn and its enchanting moons before returning home. Regrettably, despite its promising potential for space exploration during that era, concerns about potential nuclear fallout led to the abandonment of Project Orion in the 1960s. Nevertheless, this artwork serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's audacious dreams and our relentless pursuit of scientific progress. With intricate details capturing every aspect of this historical concept – from its crew module positioned at upper right to its futuristic propulsion system – this illustration is not only visually stunning but also offers us a glimpse into what could have been: an extraordinary leap forward in space travel technology.
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