Transforming The NERVA Vehicle Into An Orbital Transporter
- Paper number
IAC-07-B4.5.02
- Author
Dr. Radu Rugescu, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania
- Coauthor
Dr. Valentin Silivestru, Romania
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Within the NERVA project the feasibility to achieve secured sub-orbital flights up to half of a minimal orbital velocity was demonstrated. This small rocket vehicle is studied as a link to tethered orbital payloads, retrieval of space debris and defense against non-conventional terrorist systems. As an extension, the NERVA vehicle is intended to be transformed into a test-bed for the development of a fast responsive, low cost space transporter system for very small payloads. The foreground for the NERVA vehicle development is the conversion of retiring soil-air weaponry systems made expandable in Romania. The main direction of research is focused on the development of an upper stage capable of supplying an ideal velocity of 5000 meters per second within the frames of the current Romanian technology. The previous experience of the research team at UPB and at COMOTI national research institute is the main source of support for these developments. The existing capabilities of ELECTROMECANICA and ADDA SME-s are also a strong support for the implementation of the project. The project is developed as a co-operating activity involving Romania and Greece. From the part of Greece the experience in the development of high performance lightweight structures and advanced chemical engineering research is accounted. This research is a development of the previous NERVA study performed at UPB.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-B4.5.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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