Operating characteristics and requirements for the NERVA flight engine

Abstract

Engine operational characteristics and requirements for typical missions are presented and these are illustrated in detail by a description of the reusable nuclear shuttle operations and requirements. The NERVA nuclear engine has unique conditioning, startup, and shutdown characteristics. In addition, it has a reactor cooldown requirement that is being studied to maximize its usefulness. Shutdown will include a 65% throttled thrust for an optimized period of time to minimize propellant consumption. The reactor life goal is ten hours. Steady-state performance is excellent for future high-energy missions. © 1971 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All right reserved.