It sounds like the biggest obstacle for space applications is the power generation requirements.

I know the Bush administration has directed more spending in the nuclear reactor area (mostly for DOD space applications). Sadly we've wasted several decades in that area because of the irrational fear of nuclear energy that exists in the public.

Hopefully, the Bush Administration and DOD will be effective at destroying that power generation wall which must be overcome for VASMR to be a reality.

I would think once the ability to put a 5-6 megawatt reactor in space becomes feasible, that VASMR will again be looked at. Again, it will probably be some military application that ultimately requires that development.

In the meantime, would there be any uses for a VASMR type engine to be built on the ground? If not, I'm afraid we'll have to wait another few decades.