NERVA: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

NERVA is an acronym for Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application. It was a Nuclear thermal rocket. The NERVA rocket engine, was based on Kiwi nuclear reactor technology. In the early 1960s NASA planned to use NERVA to power a RIFT (Reactor-In-Flight-Test) nuclear stage to be launched in the early 1970s. NERVA was to be a nuclear powered upper stage for the Saturn V. It was to be used to launch interplanetary payloads. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center had the development responsibility for the rocket stage. The program was cancelled in 1972.

NERVA Rocket Stage Specifications

• Diameter: 10.55 m
• Length: 43.69 m
• Weight empty: 34,019 kg
• Weight full: 178,321 kg
• Thrust (vacuum): 867 kN
• ISP (vacuum): 825 lbf.s/lb (8.09 kNs/kg)
• ISP (sea level): 380 lbf.s/lb (3.73 kNs/kg)
• Burn Time: 1,200 s
• Propellants: Nuclear/LH₂
• Engines: 1 Nerva-2