Nuclear-thermoelectric rocket

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-003951",
  "term": "Nuclear-thermoelectric rocket",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A rocket whose reactor serves two purposes: its electrical output ionizes the propellant in an ion thruster, while its heat also warms the propellant fluid to raise specific impulse. It sits between nuclear-electric and nuclear-thermal propulsion. Thrust stays low compared with a pure nuclear-thermal engine, so it suits long deep-space missions rather than launch from the ground.",
  "subject": "Aviation maintenance",
  "see_also": [
    "nuclear-electric rocket",
    "nuclear-thermal rocket",
    "nuclear rocket"
  ],
  "translations": {
    "de": "Nuklear-thermoelektrische Rakete",
    "es": "cohete nuclear-termoeléctrico",
    "fr": "fusée nucléaire-thermoélectrique"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/nuclear-thermoelectric-rocket/"
}