JPreisig@AOL.COM [mailto:JPreisig@AOL.COM] wrote
on Saturday February 08, 2003 1:21 AM
A spacecraft (with nuclear
propulsion) re-entering the Earth atmosphere
and experiencing difficulties might (with some warning) be able to go
back into space, and perhaps wait for a rescue
shuttle. <SNIP>
This line of thought comes close to one concept which
was advanced decades ago -- the PRFAC spacecraft, for "PRopulsive Fluid
ACcumulator."
It was a nuclear propelled gizmo which flew in very low
orbit -- just inside the upper reaches of the atmosphere, where a large conical
intake was used to collect & condense the incident gas and stored in a large
tank for refueling other spacecraft in higher orbit or at a space station.
Only a small fraction was expended in the nuclear
propulsion system for counteracting the drag force which would normally slow it
down & cause it to re-enter.