Orion Saturn V

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Orion Saturn V

Part of Orion Nuclear Pulse Vehicle

Orion Saturn V
Saturn V-launched Orion

American nuclear pulse orbital launch vehicle. The final iteration of the Orion design was a nuclear pulse propulsion module launched into earth orbit by a Saturn V. The 100 metric ton unit would have had a diameter of 10 m to match that of the booster. This would limit specific impulse to 1800 to 2500 seconds, still two to three times that of a nuclear thermal system.

Status: Design 1965. Payload: 100,000 kg (220,000 lb). Gross mass: 100,000 kg (220,000 lb). Height: 50.00 m (164.00 ft). Diameter: 10.00 m (32.00 ft).

A second launch would put a 100 metric ton Mars spacecraft with a crew of eight into orbit. After rendezvous and checkout, the combined 200 metric ton spacecraft would set out on a round trip to the Mars - total mission duration as little as 125 days!

Payload: 100,000 kg (220,000 lb) to a Mars and back.

Family: nuclear pulse, orbital launch vehicle. Country: USA. Agency: General Atomic.

Photo Gallery

Orion Versions
Saturn V-launched Orion; Original Orion

Orion Upper Stage
Orion configured as Saturn V upper stage.

Orion/Saturn V
Orion launch profile on Saturn V

Orion at Mars
Orion nuclear pulse vessel arrives at Mars and releases lander.

Orion Mars Configura
Orion configured for Mars expedition.

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