N1 Nuclear V-B
Nuclear orbital launch vehicle. Year: 1963. Family: N. Country: Russia. Status: Study 1963.

N1 with nuclear upper stage. This variant of the Type V nuclear engine used a very heavy radiation shield to protect the crew of any manned spacecraft payload.

Manufacturer: Korolev. LEO Payload: 360,000 kg (790,000 lb). to: 220 km Orbit. at: 51.60 degrees. Payload: 33,000 kg (72,000 lb). to a: lunar surface trajectory. Liftoff Thrust: 35,000.000 kN (7,868,000 lbf). Total Mass: 3,060,000 kg (6,740,000 lb). Core Diameter: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Total Length: 210.00 m (680.00 ft).


Stage Data - N1 Nuclear V-B
  • Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: N1 1962 - A. Gross Mass: 1,384,000 kg (3,051,000 lb). Empty Mass: 117,000 kg (257,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 39,420.000 kN (8,861,960 lbf). Isp: 331 sec. Burn time: 103 sec. Isp(sl): 296 sec. Diameter: 10.00 m (32.00 ft). Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Length: 30.00 m (98.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 24. Engine: NK-15. Status: Study 1963. Includes 14,000 kg for Stage 1-2 interstage and payload fairing. Compared to total fuelled mass excludes 15,000 kg propellant expended in thrust build-up and boil-off prior to liftoff. Values as in draft project as defended on 2-16 July 1962.
  • Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: N1 Nuclear V-Bioshield. Gross Mass: 2,000,000 kg (4,400,000 lb). Empty Mass: 650,000 kg (1,430,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 19,600.000 kN (4,406,200 lbf). Isp: 900 sec. Burn time: 600 sec. Diameter: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Length: 130.00 m (420.00 ft). Propellants: Nuclear/LH2. No Engines: 20. Engine: YaRD Type V-B. Status: Study 1963. N1 nuclear upper stage study, 1963. Figures calculated based on given total stage thrust, specific impulse, engine mass.

Bibliography and Further Reading
  • Vetrov, G S, S. P. Korolev i evo delo, Nauka, Moscow, 1998. ISBN: 5020036846. The collected papers of Soviet Chief Designer Korolev. A tremendous source of new information and insight on the Soviet space program. Russian language. More at amazon.com...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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