Orion drive

English

Etymology

From Orion +‎ drive, since it originated from Project Orion, a U.S. government study from the 1950s.

Noun

Orion drive (plural Orion drives)

  1. (astronautics, science fiction) A theoretical means to propel spacecraft through space, by detonating nuclear bombs behind the spaceship and riding the nuclear explosions that push against the rear mounted pusher plate.
  2. An engine using such a method.

Coordinate terms

  • nuclear-thermal drive
  • nuclear-electric drive

See also

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