I agree with this "what if it blows up before it reaches orbit" view generally.
I do though now wonder how this view will change with the likes of SpaceX. Sure they still have the occasional accident, but it feels (I don't have any data) that reliability is improving dramatically? It felt before like the rocket blowing up on take off was a bit of a high-odds roll the dice thing, but already even SpaceX landings have become somewhat routine.
I think USNT's fuel canisters are inert outside of the reactor and something small like 2cm-diameter each (1). Maybe stick the fuel canisters in a Dragon-type capsule complete with escape system for extra peace-of-mind? Send the reactor up in a cargo launcher, then have astronauts load the fuel in orbit?
I do though now wonder how this view will change with the likes of SpaceX. Sure they still have the occasional accident, but it feels (I don't have any data) that reliability is improving dramatically? It felt before like the rocket blowing up on take off was a bit of a high-odds roll the dice thing, but already even SpaceX landings have become somewhat routine.
I think USNT's fuel canisters are inert outside of the reactor and something small like 2cm-diameter each (1). Maybe stick the fuel canisters in a Dragon-type capsule complete with escape system for extra peace-of-mind? Send the reactor up in a cargo launcher, then have astronauts load the fuel in orbit?
1 - https://usnc.com/fcm-fuel/