Short Takes – 10-7-24

Nuclear rockets could travel to Mars in half the time, but designing the reactors that would power them isn't easy. Phys.org article. Includes some blatant advertorial content. Pull quote: “Nuclear thermal propulsion systems operate in a similar way, but they use a different nuclear fuel that has more uranium-235. They also operate at a much higher temperature, which makes them extremely powerful and compact. Nuclear thermal propulsion systems have about 10 times more power density than a traditional light water reactor.”

Starship's Fifth Flight Test. SpaceX.com announcement. Pull quote: “Thousands of distinct vehicle and pad criteria must be met prior to a return and catch attempt of the Super Heavy booster, which will require healthy systems on the booster and tower and a manual command from the mission’s Flight Director. If this command is not sent prior to the completion of the boostback burn, or if automated health checks show unacceptable conditions with Super Heavy or the tower, the booster will default to a trajectory that takes it to a landing burn and soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Biden-Harris Administration Proposes Rule to Simplify Shipping Processes for Truck Drivers, While Improving Supply Chains, and Reducing Energy Transportation Costs. PHMSA.gov announcement. Pull quote: ““Hazardous materials are a significant share of the essential goods routinely shipped in the United States, and the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make it more affordable and straightforward to safely move these materials through our supply chains,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The proposal we’re announcing today streamlines requirements while maintaining safety measures, helping to reduce costs for businesses and consumers and make it easier for drivers to do their job.”” Draft NPRM here.