[datadrivenangel]

The summary of this methodical and enlightening article from an excellent source for mathematically backed science fiction / space travel is:

No. Nuclear is not worth it for starship, as the added engine weight limits the additional delta V and the additional challenges of handling nuclear material.

[jdblair]

The no accompanies the short explanation of a nuclear planetary transfer vehicle that never lands on earth. A lot of conceptual work has been done on these designs, and Andy Weir’s The Martian features one.

Nuclear powered space tugs is a particular rabbit hole I’ve spent too much time on.

See, for example, this Boeing design: https://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/spacetug.php#b...