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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Nuclear rocket performance based on Rover/NERVA technology

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6297729
It has been suggested that the 1955-1972 nuclear rocket development (Rover) program provides a strong foundation for a renewed nuclear engine development effort. It is concluded that there is an extensive development base deriving from the Rover/NERVA program for bead-loaded graphite-fueled reactors (Isp = 825-900 s), a moderate base for composite fuel (Isp = 875-925 s), and a modest base for carbide fuel (Isp = 975-1025 s). For carbide fuel and to some extent for composite fuel, there is a potential for considerable increase in reactor core and presumable engine lifetime with only modest reduction in Isp.
OSTI ID:
6297729
Report Number(s):
AIAA-Paper--90-3786; CONF-9009324--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English