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Family: Nerva. Country: USA. Status: Study 1963.
Nuclear, recoverable upper stage boosted above atmosphere by minimum chemical stage. Improved Specific Impulse chemical stage uses many engines feeding into single large nozzle. Douglas/Bono design approach to same concept as Convair/Ehricke Helios.
SpecificationsLEO Payload: 454,500 kg. to: 325 km Orbit. at: 0.0 degrees. Liftoff Thrust: 4,541,380 kgf. Total Mass: 3,275,400 kg. Core Diameter: 24.4 m. Total Length: 52.0 m.
- Stage Number: 1. 1 x DAC Helios-1 Gross Mass: 1,660,000 kg. Empty Mass: 149,000 kg. Thrust (vac): 5,397,000 kgf. Isp: 410 sec. Burn time: 113 sec. Isp(sl): 345 sec. Diameter: 24.4 m. Span: 29.0 m. Length: 16.2 m. Propellants: Lox/LH2 No Engines: 4. Chamber/single nozzle
- Stage Number: 2. 1 x DAC Helios-2 Gross Mass: 1,070,000 kg. Empty Mass: 214,000 kg. Thrust (vac): 1,828,000 kgf. Isp: 850 sec. Burn time: 392 sec. Diameter: 21.3 m. Span: 38.1 m. Length: 27.4 m. Propellants: Nuclear/LH2 No Engines: 2. NERVA 1mlbf
Bibliography:- 214 - Bono, Philip, Advanced in the Astronautical Sciences, "Design Objectives for Tomorow's Big Boosters", 1963.
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Last update 12 March 2001.
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