APPLICATIONS OF A NUCLEAR VEHICLE FOR A MANNED LUNAR LANDING

The performance characteristics of three booster configurations with a nuclear-powered upper stage designed to soft land on the moon are discussed. These booster configurations are the Saturn C-2, the Saturn C-2 with a solid-propellant booster stage, and the Saturn C-3. The nuclear stage thrust, specific impulse, and propellant loading were varied parametrically for the Saturn C-3 configuration. The engine for the nuclear stage was based on the KIWI-type reactor using liquid hydrogen as a working fluid. The payload capabilities for all three configurations were determined for the case of a chemical stage carried in the payload being used for landing on the moon and for the return trip to an earth orbit. For the Saturn C-3 configuration, two other methods were studied for landing on the moon and returning to an earth orbit.