Nova Model R10E/R10R Credit - © Mark Wade

Reusable version of most exotic Martin Nova vairant; single stage to orbit, 30 cd module air augmented engines in annular shroud. Operational date would have been October 1980.

Martin Marietta’s "Renova" design featured rocket engines enclosed in an air duct equipped with adjustable inlets. The conical payload fairing would serve as an inlet spike during the ascent through the atmosphere. The air (which is heated by the rocket exhaust) would contrubute additional thrust as it expands past the plug-shaped afterbody. The inlets would be closed after leaving the atmosphere.

Manufacturer: Martin. LEO Payload: 423,000 kg (932,000 lb). to: 185 km Orbit. Liftoff Thrust: 140,540.000 kN (31,594,640 lbf). Total Mass: 9,154,600 kg (20,182,400 lb). Core Diameter: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Total Length: 59.00 m (193.00 ft).

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Nova MM R10R-2. Gross Mass: 8,647,000 kg (19,063,000 lb). Empty Mass: 1,361,000 kg (3,000,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 140,539.000 kN (31,594,424 lbf). Isp: 620 sec. Burn time: 310 sec. Isp(sl): 620 sec. Diameter: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Span: 43.70 m (143.30 ft). Length: 49.30 m (161.70 ft). Propellants: Air/Lox/LH2. No Engines: 40. Engine: CD Module. Status: Study 1963. Operational date would have been October 1980. Recoverable stage. Air-augmented plug nozzle.

• Scala, Keith J, and Swanson, Glen E, Quest, "They Might Be Giants Part 2", Spring, 1993.