What If We Had Nuclear-Powered Rockets?

By the year 2035, NASA plans to send humans to Mars. But it would be about a nine-month trip with our current rocket technology. However, in the not-so-distant future, we could be replacing chemical engines with nuclear thermal propulsion. That would take you to Mars in just three months. What are the risks of using nuclear propulsion? How would it work? Have we used nuclear energy in space before?

Join this channel to get access to perks:

Watch more what-if scenarios:

What If elsewhere:

Thank you to our supporters:
Batman
Kristopher Kirby
omar Rodríguez
Mohamed Al Hammadi

What If is a mini-documentary web series that takes you on an epic journey through hypothetical worlds and possibilities. Join us on an imaginary adventure through time, space and chance while we (hopefully) boil down complex subjects in a fun and entertaining way.

#whatif #aerospace #spacetravel #nuclearpropulsion #nuclearthermalrocket

[kushagra]

MEANWHILE, ELON MUSK IS SECRETLY SEEING THIS VIDEO TO REACH MARS FASTER

[InfinityGaming]

Can we all just appreciate the fact that what if uploads daily for us to enjoy😄

[abc]

Can you do "Whatif electricity was never discovered, how we would be leading or lives especially these days"

[snc]

Your channel is one of my favorites. I used to have a science teacher that would reserve 10 minutes of class a day to let us ask what if questions. It was everyone’s favorite part of class.

[prahalord]

I love how this guy makes paid promotion actually look interesting

[kushagra]

He has more content than my science book😂😂😂

[marakidask]

Hello from Greece!! I enjoy your videos, specially the ones about space! You've done a pretty good job with your channel! And your narration is so good!! Keep up the nice work!

[catgirl_ava]

NASA:plans to go to mars in 2035
Russia: ._.
World:Ah shit here we go again

[zainigamings]

Take your "im early" tickets here

[FunTime-whin]

My heart : woah! I want to spacetravel
My body : no, who wants to lose their energy
My brain : SHUT UP! today is your exam


Edited : thanks for likes. It's true that my exams are coming
Edited : my exam is over

[SRC]

We need rockets powered by light energy to reach mars in minutes.

[spoonimations]

can you try “what if the Black Death was still on earth”?

[snvvy._.]

I'm addicted to what if! I watch it every day after school. Keep posting! <3

[astyanax]

this is the first time I've seen the man behind the what if voice! haha good stuff

[soundpeople]

Dropped with a what if advertisement
Then gets hit with a YouTube advertisement
Rough 😂

[kushagra]

"Physics, Chemistry combined to help Elon Musk reach Mars"
Summary of this video.

[jonathangabel]

In the late 50s and 60s there were two projects, kiwi and nerva which were used to develop thermonuclear rocket engines. They were successful.

[ramsesrameez]

Single and only last one from the world of unknown ...

[simply_aman]

The FitBod ad this guy showed was really unskippable. He explained it very well! By the way I got the yearly membership to FitBod!

[devanandshaji]

As a kid I used to dream about this stuff.