Re: SPACE: Loss of the Saturn V

From: Technotranscendence (neptune@superlink.net)
Date: Sun Sep 07 2003 - 07:09:48 MDT

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    On Saturday, September 06, 2003 11:32 AM Spike spike66@comcast.net
    wrote:
    > Robert J. Bradbury wrote:
    >
    >> Use the current Russian RD-180 engines [1]
    >> (or RD-170 engines) or the SSME [2] (take
    >> into account fuel/weight differences) and get
    >> me a first stage booster with Saturn V liftoff
    >> capacity.
    >
    > And then to make it really interesting -- you
    > might take a stab at using nuclear power...
    > Robert
    >
    > Nuclear power isn't applicable to first or second
    > stages, where you need very large thrust.

    Huh? Nuclear power could achieve higher thrust. Don't compare NERVA
    data which was only a test bed to F-1s, SSMEs, or other engines that
    made it out of the lab. Nuclear powered rockets can achieve higher
    temperatures and exhaust velocities. The chief drawback is they're
    tough sells politically.

    Recently, I got to see the 1950 film "Destination Moon." It's
    interesting to see that the rocket in that flick -- and, it seems, for
    its time, the film is very realistic, kind of "hard science
    fiction":) -- is nuclear powered. It's also one of the sticking points
    of the launch... I don't want to spoil the film for those who haven't
    seen it.

    Cheers!

    Dan
    http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/MyWorksBySubject.html



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