Facility design problems associated with static firing of large nuclear rocket stages

Abstract

At present, one of the promising methods of attaining interplanetary travel is the use of large (10 000 MW – 20 000 MW) nuclear rocket stages. However, the large quantities of radiation associated with a nuclear rocket during and after operation present unique problems. It is generally agreed: (1) that the use of a nuclear rocket for lift off (the first stage) is impractical; therefore, we need only concern ourselves with other than first stage vehicles; (2) that static firing of a nuclear stage prior to launch, as may be done with a chemical stage, is also impractical. Thus we are faced with the problem of sending into space a particular nuclear stage which has not previously been fired. Obviously success under such conditions will require even greater inherent reliability for a nuclear stage. An important step in achieving this extreme reliability is repeated, successful static test firings during development, under conditions simulating as closely as possible, those in space.

Numerous problems are encountered in the design of static firing facilities for large nuclear rocket stages. Some of these problems exist for any large second or third stage vehicle regardless of the type of engine used for propulsion. Others are peculiar only to a nuclear propelled vehicle or are made more severe by the presence of a nuclear environment. This paper discusses design problems specifically associated with the static firing of large nuclear rocket stages.