What fundamentally separates Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) from conventional chemical rockets regarding energy application?
Answer
The energy source (the reactor) is separate from the propellant mass itself.
NTP uses a nuclear reactor to generate intense heat to warm the working fluid (like liquid hydrogen), which is then vented through a nozzle. This means the source of energy (the reactor) is distinct from the propellant that creates the thrust.
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