Nuclear Salt Water Rocket a Delicate Balance of Supercritical Nuclear Explosions

There are some potentially valid criticism about the Nuclear Salt Water Rocket (NSWR). The criticisms highlight real physical constraints. A hydrogenous mixture will moderate neutrons, preventing a fast-spectrum detonation and likely limiting the reaction to a thermal fizz. However, Zubrin’s NSWR isn’t necessarily aiming for a weapons-grade explosion bu…