Direct Operating Cost Analysis of a Class of Nuclear Spaceships

Abstract

This paper presents a method which has been used to calculate the direct operat­ing costs of space transports powered by nuclear rockets. Although the method may be easily extended to various forms of space transports, the actual expressions given apply directly to single stage, completely reusable vehicles. In addition to present­ing the method of cost analysis, certain results are presented, both for the relatively near future nuclear rockets and the more ultimate rockets achievable, if various rather formible engineering barriers are surmounted. It is shown that nuclear rockets, properly utilized, will give space transport capabilities throughout most of the solar system with costs roughly comparable to those currently required for air transport on the surface of this planet.