Gig 601XL Builder wrote:


So the question is would a nuclear powered engine, once in space, provide
enough energy to be more efficient than a more conventional power source. I
think the answer might be yes for high earth orbit and as the craft moved
farther away from the earth gravity well it would be even more efficient.


Huh? What do you need the engine for? If it's for propulsion then
the mass is going to be important, the force needed to be applied is
proportional of the mass. If you are just using it for other power
purposes, then it doesn't necessarily make a difference.