3 ms·
> During this cool-down period, you will use the same coolant (hydrogen) as during normal operation, but you won't get the same exhaust velocity. That seems li
by leereeves 3y ago
> During this cool-down period, you will use the same coolant (hydrogen) as during normal operation, but you won't get the same exhaust velocity.
That seems like a waste of propellant.
Once the reactor has cooled enough that you won't get the desired exhaust velocity, couldn't you allow it to finish cooling down by radiative cooling?
- m4rtink 3y agoI think the internal temperature might get high enough to melt things ? You could have a separate cooling system, but that will add more complexity and mass.