NUCLEAR ROCKETS FOR TERRESTRIAL AND SPACE MISSIONS

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Planetary Space Sci.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(61)90129-5· OSTI ID:4014186

Levoy, M M; Newgard, J J

Nuclear rockets are applicable to a wide range of missions from boosting a 100,000 lb payload into space with a single-stage vehicle in the million lb thrust class to a Mars probe or Mars orbiting space vehicle with an initial acceleration of 0.3 g and a thrust of 10,000 lb. A prototype nuclear power plant design is discussed briefly, from which either of the above vehicles may be evolved. The problems involved in launching a nuclear vehicle from the ground and the problems of initiation of flight from a 300 mile Earth orbit are discussed. Some features of terrestrial and space flight peculiar to nuclear propelled vehicles are covered. (auth)

• Research Organization: Thiokol Chemical Corp., Denville, N.J.
• NSA Number: NSA-15-025659
• OSTI ID: 4014186
• Journal Information: Planetary Space Sci., Journal Name: Planetary Space Sci. Vol. Vol: 4
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

LAUNCHING
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
ROCKETS
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES