Nuclear marine propulsion

Nuclear marine propulsion uses onboard reactors to produce power for moving ships and submarines. Its high energy density allows long operation without refueling, but demands specialized shielding, crews, and infrastructure.

Nuclear reactor: A system that sustains a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction to release heat or produce radiation. The reactor supplies the heat that drives a ship’s propulsion system.
Nuclear submarine: A submarine propelled by one or more onboard nuclear reactors. Submarines benefit from sustained underwater operation without atmospheric oxygen or frequent refueling.
USS Nautilus (SSN-571): The first operational nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Nautilus demonstrated that a reactor could propel a submarine on sustained underwater voyages.
Diesel-electric submarine: A submarine powered by electric motors, with batteries charged by diesel engines while surfaced or snorkeling. It trades nuclear endurance for lower cost and simpler infrastructure, while requiring periodic access to air.
Submarine warfare: Naval combat conducted by submarines, including attacks, surveillance, and deterrence patrols. Long submerged endurance changes the range and persistence of submarine operations.
Pressurized water reactor: A reactor that uses high-pressure water as both coolant and neutron moderator. Most naval reactors use this design to transfer core heat while keeping water from boiling.
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier: An aircraft carrier whose onboard nuclear reactors provide propulsion and electrical power. Carriers use nuclear endurance to support prolonged operations and energy-intensive aviation systems.
Hyman G. Rickover: A U.S. Navy admiral who led the development and institutionalization of naval nuclear propulsion. Rickover shaped the engineering standards and personnel system behind the U.S. program.
Air-independent propulsion: Submarine propulsion technologies that let a non-nuclear vessel operate underwater without atmospheric oxygen. AIP extends submerged operation without the cost and strategic burdens of a nuclear reactor.
Nuclear deterrence: A strategy that seeks to prevent attack by threatening unacceptable nuclear retaliation. Nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines can help keep retaliatory forces survivable at sea.

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