Project Orion

In 1957, a small group of Scientists launched a secret US Government-sponsored attempt to build a 40, 000-ton manned spaceship propelled by nuclear bombs. The apparent absurdity of the project is one reason why it ultimately failed. But with its mix of sublime theoretical physics and apparently madcap engineering, its diverse cast of Cold War warriors and idealistic would-be intergalactic pioneers, the mission to build Orion remains one of the most tantalising 'what if?' stories of the twentieth century.