Combining Nuclear Fission and MagnetoHydroDynamics for Space Propulsion

via NBF
In two recent blog postings, both here, and here, cutting edge science and technology blogger Brian Wang takes a look at nuclear / magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approaches to space propulsion and electrical power generation in space.

MHD involves the acceleration of ionised plasma through a strong magnetic field to generate electric power. Such a system could provide electric power and space-based propulsion as long as plentiful fuel mass is available.

This NextBigFuture article also discusses ground based MHD systems as a clean and economic alternative for burning coal.

An interesting combination of "ground-based" and "space-based" MHD propulsion would involve the gradual ongoing hollowing out of a small asteroid, using the mining tailings as propellant fuel, and the asteroid itself as a spacecraft. Such a system could be used for either a long-range outbound space mission, or for an outer-system to and from inner-system, shuttle.