TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

NUCLEAR-THERMAL PROPULSION [1 record]

Record 1 2004-11-09

English

Subject field(s)
  • Launchers (Astronautics)
CONT

In nuclear thermal propulsion, a propellant gas is heated as it flows through the core of a nuclear reactor and is then expanded and expelled through a rocket nozzle. The reactor core can be a solid (e.g., uranium carbide particles in a graphite matrix or uranium nitride in a ceramic matrix), liquid, or a gas/plasma. The last two approaches can produce much higher propellant temperatures, resulting in higher specific impulse and greater rocket efficiency.

French

Domaine(s)
  • Lanceurs (Astronautique)
DEF

Mode de propulsion nucléaire dans lequel l'énergie produite sert à porter un agent propulsif à très haute température.

Spanish

Save record 1

Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2024
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

Features

Language Portal of Canada

Access a collection of Canadian resources on all aspects of English and French, including quizzes.

Writing tools

The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.

Glossaries and vocabularies

Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.

Date Modified: