Nerva Program Status
This report has yet to be scanned by Contrails staff
Report Number: AFOSR 69-2951TR p. 318-341
Author(s): Schroeder, Robert W.
Corporate Author(s): Space Nuclear Propulsion Office, Cleveland Extension
Date of Publication: 1969-12
Pages: 24
DoD Task:
Identifier: This paper is part of a conference proceedings. See AD0703442
Abstract:
Tests of graphite reactors by the NERVA team and by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, as well as tests on non-nuclear components, have demonstrated reproducible characteristics and full power durations of up to one hour. Chamber temperatures well in excess of 4000°R have been demonstrated, which, with optimized accessories, correspond to vacuum specific impulses in excess of 800 seconds. Integrated system tests have been conducted in which the reactor, the turbo-pump assembly, the regeneratively-cooled nozzle, and other components have operated satisfactorily in their proper functional relationship over broad areas of the performance map with multiple restarts. Design effort and planning have been initiated to extend the nuclear rocket engine development through Preliminary Flight Rating Test of a man-rated model suitable for useful missions.
Author(s): Schroeder, Robert W.
Corporate Author(s): Space Nuclear Propulsion Office, Cleveland Extension
Date of Publication: 1969-12
Pages: 24
DoD Task:
Identifier: This paper is part of a conference proceedings. See AD0703442
Abstract:
Tests of graphite reactors by the NERVA team and by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, as well as tests on non-nuclear components, have demonstrated reproducible characteristics and full power durations of up to one hour. Chamber temperatures well in excess of 4000°R have been demonstrated, which, with optimized accessories, correspond to vacuum specific impulses in excess of 800 seconds. Integrated system tests have been conducted in which the reactor, the turbo-pump assembly, the regeneratively-cooled nozzle, and other components have operated satisfactorily in their proper functional relationship over broad areas of the performance map with multiple restarts. Design effort and planning have been initiated to extend the nuclear rocket engine development through Preliminary Flight Rating Test of a man-rated model suitable for useful missions.