Nuclear Space Tug

Topic

A nuclear space tug (or nuclear shuttle) is a type of spacecraft that utilizes nuclear propulsion—either nuclear thermal or nuclear electric—to transport heavy payloads and cargo between different orbits or into deep space. These vehicles are designed to provide high-efficiency, long-duration transit capabilities for orbital transfers, lunar logistics, and interplanetary missions. Notable historical and modern concepts include NASA's post-Apollo nuclear shuttle designs and Russia's Transport and Energy Module (TEM) project, also known as Zeus.