Produced by the Atomic Energy Agency and NASA, “Nuclear Propulsion in Space” (1968) details Project NERVA — the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application. This was a joint program of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and NASA managed by the Space Nuclear Propulsion Office (SNPO) at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Jackass Flats, Nevada U.S.A. Between 1959 and 1972. This documentary explores the use of nuclear propulsion to complement the chemical fuels used in today’s rockets. The film shows a Saturn 5 rocket on its launchpad, launch and flight [including stage separation and air-ground shots]; the concept of substituting a nuclear 3rd stage to increase payload velocity; Mid-1950s research in New Mexico to determine the feasibility of nuclear energy in rocket propulsion; development of engine technology via the NERVA project, engine testing; a description of how this technology may be used for a theoretical mission to Mars.

Film opens, NASA and AEC emblems (0:06). Camera zooms into moon hovering above scenic view (0:15). Simulated footage of a “future” moon landing, vessel appears similar to Lunar Module Eagle (LM-5); Intro segment with other proposed rockets and landing vessels, narrator introduces topic of nuclear rockets as cost-effective alternative for future missions (0:31). Opening credits (1:53). Saturn 5 rocket on launchpad (2:09). Dramatic test launch of Saturn 5 rocket; Air fills with orange smoke (2:41). Rocket soars through sky, shots of stage separation (1st-3rd stage) (2:53). Segment on 3rd stage; Substituting nuclear 3rd stage showing velocity of payload increased (3:25). Deep-stage probe approaching Jupiter (3:53). Animation breaking down why nuclear rocket is better than chemical rocket: Chemical rockets burn fuel while nuclear rockets expel hydrogen (4:17). Rocket efficiency stated in “seconds of specific impulse” (Isp SEC) (5:07). Camera pans a wooded and mountainous area surrounding AEC’s Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, New Mexico (6:03). Scientist figure out if rocket propulsion really can be used, theoretical studies and early experimental work in labs (6:21). KIWI reactors developed for ground testing (7:17). Landscape shots of arid scenery at Nuclear Development Station at Jackass Flats, Nevada for KIWI testing; Check actual performance at various power levels and for various time periods (7:28). KIWI experimental reactor received in sections, scientists piece together in special building called R-MAD (7:50). KIWI B reactor ready for testing transported on special rail car and delivered to test stand; Test stand controlled by remote station; Liquid hydrogen pumped into reactor (8:07). Scientists in control room; First reactor tests 1959; Subsequent tests 1962, shots of flaming torch on test stand burning hydrogen exhaust gas as safety measure (8:31). Post-test reactor now radioactive, transported by remote control back to R-MAD facility for disassembly and inspection; Scientists work behind protective walls and use remote-controlled manipulators to remove components for checking and analysis (9:00). Shot of two tests with faulty results leading to redesign and studies (9:36). 1964 KIWI B reactor finally brought up to full power, successful test (10:18). Next step: Develop complete engine technology (NERVA); Nerva technology reactor (NRX) (10:46). Animation explaining how nuclear rocket engine will work; Hydrogen passing through channels in core; Hydrogen moving through engine system (11:31). Animation of how reactor within engine works (13:28). Aerial view of test facilities for testing engine components near Sacramento, California (14:54). Late 1965 test (15:26). 1966 test (16:55). 1967 Phoebus 1B reactor test operated (17:00). 1967 NRX A6 operated at full power (17:17). New test stand developed; 1968 first ground test engine mounted into new stand (17:30). Camera zooms into Mars; Possible way new rocket propulsion technology could be used to send mission to Mars (18:43). Return trip from Mars’ orbit (20:48). Narrator summarizes film’s overall message (22:40). Closing credits (23:09). Film ends (23:40).

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com