Everything Everywhere Daily cover image

Project Orion

Everything Everywhere Daily

00:00

The History of Project Orion

Project Orion was a failed attempt to use nuclear explosions for spacecraft propulsion. The project would have been extremely dangerous due to the high levels of radioactive fallout from each detonation. This led to increased public concern about atmospheric testing, which eventually led to the partial nuclear test ban treaty of 1963. NASA is working on such a system right now that could be tested in space by 2025. There are also ideas for nuclear pulse propulsion that don't involve bombs.

Play episode from 12:10
Transcript

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app