Nova Model E - Nova General Dynamics Model E Credit: © Mark Wade. 3,015 bytes. 145 x 437 pixels.

Nova design using 325 inch solid motors as first stage, M-1 engines in second stage. Recoverable solid motors, separation at 1,972 m/s at 53,000 m altitude; splashdown using retrorockets under 3 61 m diameter parachutes 610 km downrange. Recovery of solid motors forshadowed same approach on shuttle 15 years later. Masses estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions.

LEO Payload: 458,000 kg. to: 185 km Orbit. at: 0.0 degrees. Liftoff Thrust: 25,486,810 kgf. Total Mass: 19,596,600 kg. Core Diameter: 8.3 m. Total Length: 72.0 m.

• Stage Number: 1. 4 x Nova GD-E-1 Gross Mass: 3,628,000 kg. Empty Mass: 454,000 kg. Thrust (vac): 7,041,000 kgf. Isp: 263 sec. Burn time: 116 sec. Isp(sl): 238 sec. Diameter: 8.3 m. Span: 8.3 m. Length: 60.4 m. Propellants: Solid No Engines: 1. 325 in solid

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Nova GD-E-2 Gross Mass: 4,535,000 kg. Empty Mass: 363,000 kg. Thrust (vac): 2,721,000 kgf. Isp: 428 sec. Burn time: 646 sec. Diameter: 20.6 m. Span: 20.6 m. Length: 47.9 m. Propellants: Lox/LH2 No Engines: 4. M-1

• 215 - Scala, Keith J, and Swanson, Glen E, Quest, "They Might Be Giants Part 1", Fall, 1992.

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Nova - GD - Nova Concepts - General Dynamics Credit: © Mark Wade. 11,186 bytes. 641 x 351 pixels.

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Nova Model E Cutaway - Nova General Dynamics Model E Cutaway Credit: © Mark Wade. 6,706 bytes. 341 x 444 pixels.

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Nova B and E - Cutaway view of General Dynamics Nova B and E concepts. Credit: Lockheed Martin. 27,549 bytes. 536 x 385 pixels.

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Nova GD Advanced - General Dynamics advanced Nova designs Credit: Lockheed Martin. 23,896 bytes. 527 x 373 pixels.

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