Project Orion (Nuclear Pulse Propulsion)
ID: project-orion
Summary
ARPA-funded nuclear pulse propulsion program (1958-1965). Led by Ted Taylor and Freeman Dyson. Cancelled by Partial Test Ban Treaty.
Intelligence Analysis
Project Orion — Nuclear Pulse Propulsion
Project Orion (1958-1965) was an ARPA-funded nuclear pulse propulsion program led by Ted Taylor at General Atomics. It is the most ambitious nuclear propulsion concept ever seriously pursued. The cancellation by the Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963) demonstrates how international treaties can terminate advanced technology programs. The technology base connects to all subsequent nuclear space propulsion efforts.
Key Findings
- ▸ ### Project Orion — Nuclear Pulse Propulsion Project Orion (1958-1965) was an ARPA-funded nuclear pulse propulsion program led by Ted Taylor at General Atomics.
- ▸ It is the most ambitious nuclear propulsion concept ever seriously pursued.
- ▸ The cancellation by the Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963) demonstrates how international treaties can terminate advanced technology programs.
Network Linkage
Connects to: Ted Taylor (leader), DARPA (funder), General Atomics (host institution). The technology base connects to SP-100, Timberwind, DRACO, and JETSON.
Related Entities (2)
Network Graph
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View in Network GraphGlossary Definition
A nuclear pulse propulsion program (1958-1965) that aimed to build spacecraft powered by nuclear explosives. Led by Ted Taylor and Freeman Dyson at General Atomics. Cancelled by the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963.
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