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4.6.3.6 nuclear based propulsion

A propulsion system that uses nuclear energy to generate power, such as nuclear reactors (fission-based), nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP), or radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), to propel an aircraft or spacecraft. This technology offers a potential source of long-duration, high-energy density power, enabling missions that would be impossible with conventional propulsion. While not currently used for commercial aircraft (due to weight, safety, and regulatory concerns), nuclear propulsion is used for spacecraft like Voyager, Cassini, and Mars rovers, providing zero-emission, high-energy-density power for deep space exploration.