Feb 23 1971

From The Space Library

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Current revision

Dr. George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, testified before Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences and Joint Committee on Atomic Energy on NERVA space nuclear propulsion program: "As we prepared our FY 1972 budget request, we were faced with one of three choices for NERVA"-to continue with full scale development of flight engine; proceed at reduced rate, emphasizing technology and long-lead time development; or cancel NERVA program. "Because there is simply no need to proceed with full scale development now, and in view of fiscal constraints, we decided to .. . continue with the development of long lead items and technology, but to not proceed with the full development effort. This will preserve the technology that has already been gained, and the hard core capability that now exists, without requiring a major expenditure of funds." NASA and AEC support of NERVA project was "clear example of sustained support over many years of an advanced development even though we have not yet come to the point of proposing the specific missions on which it would be used." While best chemical propulsion systems operated at specific impulse of 450 sec, "with nuclear propulsion we have demonstrated ... equivalent specific impulse of 825 seconds and have every confidence that the technology we are developing ... can raise this to at least 900 seconds. Thus, our justification for the large and continuing investment in the NERVA program is that we have a way of breaking one of the principal limiting constraints on space flight by doubling our propulsion efficiencies for many important classes of large space missions." Dr. Low, in response to questions, testified that NASA plan to stretch out NERVA development program would necessitate immediate employment cutback from 2500 persons to 800. U.S. had invested $1.4 billion in NERVA since 1955. (Transcript; W Post, 2/24/71; B Sun, 2/24/71, A7)

Milton Klein, Manager, NASA-AEC Space Nuclear Systems Office, testified on NERVA program status: "Eighteen rocket reactors have been tested, each adding importantly to our knowledge. Two experimental engines, which couple the reactor with the other principal components necessary to form a complete nuclear rocket engine, have been operated. The last of these engines, XE, was started up 28 times and tested over a wide variety of conditions. We have accumulated over 14 hours of system operating experience, including more than four hours at or near design power." Specific impulse "of 825 seconds has been demonstrated for extended durations in a flight size reactor. A range of thrust levels, including 75,000 pounds [34,000 kg], has been demonstrated over a wide range of conditions, including the ability to throttle down to about one-half design thrust at full specific impulse. The ability to stop and start at will has been demonstrated. Finally, this system has proved to be quite predictable, an important feature from a development and operational standpoint. All of the technology goals of the program have been met and the potential for performance growth shown." (Transcript)

Activity at Shuang-ch'eng spaceport-from which Chinese Communists launched Chicom I on April 24, 1970 indicated imminent launch of another satellite, according to sources quoted in Washington Post. U.S. space specialists had said second Communist Chinese launch would be further proof of steady scientific progress regardless of internal political turmoil in Red China. (Wilson, W Post, 2/23/71, A16)

Citizens Bank and Trust Co. of Maryland would submit requests for space-derived technical information to NASA's Regional Dissemination Centers, NASA announced. NASA centers would advise bank's patrons as to available data and outline charges to cover service cost. (NASA Release 71-23)

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