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Nuclear orbital launch vehicle. Year: 1963. Family: Nerva. Country: USA. Status: Study 1963. Nuclear, recoverable upper stage boosted above atmosphere by minimum chemical stage. Douglas/Bono design approach to same concept as Convair/Ehricke Helios. Manufacturer: Douglas. LEO Payload: 454,500 kg (1,002,000 lb). to: 325 km Orbit. Liftoff Thrust: 44,535.700 kN (10,012,024 lbf). Total Mass: 3,275,400 kg (7,221,000 lb). Core Diameter: 24.40 m (80.00 ft). Total Length: 52.00 m (170.00 ft).
Stage Data - DAC Helios - Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: DAC Helios-1. Gross Mass: 1,660,000 kg (3,650,000 lb). Empty Mass: 149,000 kg (328,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 52,926.000 kN (11,898,238 lbf). Isp: 410 sec. Burn time: 113 sec. Isp(sl): 345 sec. Diameter: 24.40 m (80.00 ft). Span: 29.00 m (95.00 ft). Length: 16.20 m (53.10 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 4. Engine: Chamber/single nozzle. Status: Study 1963.
- Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: DAC Helios-2. Gross Mass: 1,070,000 kg (2,350,000 lb). Empty Mass: 214,000 kg (471,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 17,926.000 kN (4,029,925 lbf). Isp: 850 sec. Burn time: 392 sec. Diameter: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Span: 38.10 m (124.90 ft). Length: 27.40 m (89.80 ft). Propellants: Nuclear/LH2. No Engines: 2. Engine: NERVA 1mlbf. Status: Study 1963.
Bibliography and Further Reading - Bono, Philip, Advanced in the Astronautical Sciences, "Design Objectives for Tomorow's Big Boosters", 1963.
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