/sci/ - Science & Math

>>14882113
What you're describing is basically LOX-augmented NTP which would still have okay specific impulse but the high dry mass of the reactor and hydromeme tankage ensures that the overall performance would be worse than chemical when run in such a configuration. NTP is just the retarded middle child of existing propulsion methods even absent the high cost since it's too low in thrust to replace chemical and too low in specific impulse to replace electric. It's niche is pretty much...
>need slightly more delta-v than chemical for impulsive maneuvers deep in a gravity well and staging or refueling somehow isn't an option