What is Space Nuclear Power?
Using nuclear technology to power and/or propel space vehicles. The main application that is used extensively is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that provides electrical power where chemical batteries and solar power cannot be used because of large power concerns or weight restrictions. Reactors have been designed and tested for larger scale power production on space missions. The soviets have even launched space vehicles with reactors on board. Also, nuclear rocket technology has been developed and tested, even though it has never been used.
