NERVA, Aerojet, 1962

[Orionblamblam]

An early design for the nuclear rocket.

More images and data:
http://up-ship.com/blog/?p=5541
http://up-ship.com/blog/?p=5537

 

[The Artist]

I thought I'd throw this one in. This was scanned from an 8x10 inch NASA press photo in my collection. The documentation on the back of the photo is quoted below.

FOR RELEASE: Filed December 27, 1967
PHOTO NO. 67-H-1753

JACKASS FLATS, NEVADA -- The first ground experimental nuclear rocket engine (XE) assembly, shown here in "cold flow"* configuration, is being loaded into the railroad-mounted Engine Installation Vehicle for transport to Engine Test Stand No. 1 at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Nevada. The "cold flow" experimental engine will undergo a series of tests designed to verify that the recently completed test stand is ready for "hot" engine testing; investigate engine startup under simulated altitude condition; and the checking of operating procedures not previously demonstrated.

* "Cold flow" experiments are conducted using an assembly identical to the design used in power tests except that the cold assembly does not contain any fissionable material nor produce a nuclear reaction. No fission is, therefore, generated.

Photo Credit: Joint AEC-NASA photo.

Back in the late 60s and early 70s NASA press release photos were sold in packages of 10 for a dollar in the Smithsonian gift shops. I have a handful of them.

 

[sferrin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzRfPC5rSic