Nova GD-B (original) (raw)

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Nova GD-B

Part of Nova

Nova Model B Cutaway
Nova General Dynamics Model B Cutaway
Credit: © Mark Wade

American heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. General Dynamics Nova design using existing engines. Recoverable engine package; separation at 3,398 m/s at 76,200 m altitude; splashdown using retrorockets under 7 30 m diameter parachutes 1300 km downrange. Massed estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions.

Status: Study 1963. Payload: 338,000 kg (745,000 lb). Thrust: 124,530.10 kN (27,995,480 lbf). Gross mass: 10,473,600 kg (23,090,300 lb). Height: 87.00 m (285.00 ft). Diameter: 20.60 m (67.50 ft). Apogee: 185 km (114 mi).

LEO Payload: 338,000 kg (745,000 lb) to a 185 km orbit.

Stage Data - Nova GD-B

Stage 1. 1 x Nova GD-B-1. Gross Mass: 9,070,000 kg (19,990,000 lb). Empty Mass: 635,000 kg (1,399,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 142,451.000 kN (32,024,258 lbf). Isp: 310 sec. Burn time: 177 sec. Isp(sl): 271 sec. Diameter: 20.60 m (67.50 ft). Span: 25.70 m (84.30 ft). Length: 45.20 m (148.20 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 16. Engine: F-1A. Status: Study General Dynamics 1963. Comments: Massed estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions. Recoverable engine package; separation at 3,398 m/s at 76,200 m altitude; splashdown using retrorockets under 7 30 m diameter parachutes 1300 km downrange.
Stage 2. 1 x Nova GD-B-2. Gross Mass: 998,000 kg (2,200,000 lb). Empty Mass: 75,000 kg (165,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 10,669.000 kN (2,398,486 lbf). Isp: 428 sec. Burn time: 357 sec. Diameter: 20.60 m (67.50 ft). Span: 20.60 m (67.50 ft). Length: 27.10 m (88.90 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 5. Engine: J-2. Status: Study General Dynamics 1963. Comments: Massed estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions.

Family: heavy-lift, orbital launch vehicle. Country: USA. Engines: F-1A, J-2. Stages: Nova GD-B-1, Nova GD-B-2. Agency: Convair.

Photo Gallery

	Nova B and ECutaway view of General Dynamics Nova B and E concepts.Credit: Lockheed Martin

	Nova - GDNova Concepts - General DynamicsCredit: © Mark Wade

	Nova GD AdvancedGeneral Dynamics advanced Nova designsCredit: Lockheed Martin

	Nova Model BNova General Dynamics Model BCredit: © Mark Wade

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