Nuclear Submarine in Space: Viability and Challenges

Key Points

• Durability of Hull
  • Submarine hulls can withstand 50-80 atmospheres of external pressure.
  • Likely airtight despite not being designed to hold back air.
• Air and Carbon Dioxide Management
  • CO2 scrubbers in submarines can operate indefinitely with power.
  • Lack of water in space prevents oxygen extraction, leading to depletion.
  • A few days' reserve oxygen on board.
• Overheating Issue
  • Space is warmer in terms of heat dissipation due to lack of conduction and convection.
  • Radiation is the primary method of heat transfer in space.
  • Solar particles in space have high kinetic energy but minimal impact on temperature due to low density.
  • Heat from a 200 megawatt nuclear reactor in the submarine would cause extreme temperatures quickly.
  • Cooling systems relying on water won't function in space.
• Reactor Meltdown Risk
  • A meltdown could occur within an hour due to inability to dissipate heat.
• De-Orbiting Challenges
  • Submarine needs to reduce speed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
  • Possible to use ballistic missiles to change direction slightly.
  • 24 Trident missiles could provide enough speed change for de-orbiting.
  • Tumbling and break-up in the atmosphere is inevitable.
• Survival Chances
  • Very slim chance of survival if strapped into an acceleration couch in the right crevice.
  • Must jump out with parachute before impact.
  • Disable missile detonators before attempting re-entry.