what is a nuclear powered missile

A nuclear-powered missile is a type of missile that uses a nuclear reactor to provide a heat source for a ramjet, which compresses incoming air and superheats it to propel the missile. The missile is powered by a small nuclear reactor that could theoretically allow it to stay aloft indefinitely. The concept of using a nuclear reactor to power a missile was explored by the United States Air Force during the 1950s as part of its Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion project. Currently, Russia is developing an experimental nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile called the 9M730 Burevestnik, which has an essentially unlimited range. The missile is thought to be launched by a solid-fuel rocket motor before a small nuclear reactor activates in flight, theoretically allowing the missile to cover much more ground. The missile is considered part of Russias nuclear arsenal and could carry a conventional warhead or a nuclear payload. The missile is dangerous not only in its ability to carry a powerful nuclear warhead but also in its potential to release harmful radioactive emissions if the missile were to explode or malfunction during a test.