Title

Status and Prospects for Nuclear Rockets

Description

Our present space exploration capability is sharply limited by the propulsion systems available. Exploration in depth and scientific measurements of consequence require factors of 2 or 3 improvement in payload capability. Factors of 2 or 3 improvement translate into much larger factors of improvement in capability. The first generation nuclear rocket engine can make possible extended explorations of the lunar surface with adequate equipment to make important scientific measurements. The first generation nuclear rocket is also expected to add to the reliability, safety, and operational simplicity of space exploration missions. High performance allows provision for adequate design margin. The NERVA technology program has demonstrated adequate capability to perform all space missions of interest. Further performance gains appear to be reasonable expectations. The technology program has also demonstrated that nuclear rocket engines can be provided in a thrust range from 10,000 to 250,000 pounds. It is expected that this step improvement in propulsion capability will have large effects on space exploration capabilities.

Creator

Gabriel, David S.

Johnson, Paul

Morrissey, John

Publisher

Arlington, VA : Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Date

1969

Format

28 pages ill. ; 28 cm.

Type

article

Abstract

Our present space exploration capability is sharply limited by the propulsion systems available. Exploration in depth and scientific measurements of consequence require factors of 2 or 3 improvement in payload capability. Factors of 2 or 3 improvement translate into much larger factors of improvement in capability. The first generation nuclear rocket engine can make possible extended explorations of the lunar surface with adequate equipment to make important scientific measurements. The first generation nuclear rocket is also expected to add to the reliability, safety, and operational simplicity of space exploration missions. High performance allows provision for adequate design margin. The NERVA technology program has demonstrated adequate capability to perform all space missions of interest. Further performance gains appear to be reasonable expectations. The technology program has also demonstrated that nuclear rocket engines can be provided in a thrust range from 10,000 to 250,000 pounds. It is expected that this step improvement in propulsion capability will have large effects on space exploration capabilities.

Date Issued

1969-12

Corporate Author

AEC/NASA Space Nuclear Propulsion Office

Report Number

AFOSR 69-2951TR p. 290-317

Distribution Conflict

No

Index Abstract

Contrails only

Photo Quality

Incomplete

Distribution Classification

1

Report Availability

Full text available by request

Identifier

AD0703442