N1 Nuclear V-B

Russian nuclear orbital launch vehicle. N1 with nuclear upper stage. This variant of the Type V nuclear engine used a very heavy radiation shield to protect the crew of any manned spacecraft payload.

LEO Payload: 360,000 kg (790,000 lb) to a 220 km orbit at 51.60 degrees. Payload: 33,000 kg (72,000 lb) to a lunar surface.

Stage Data - N1 Nuclear V-B

• Stage 1. 1 x N1 1962 - A. Gross Mass: 1,384,000 kg (3,051,000 lb). Empty Mass: 117,000 kg (257,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 39,420.000 kN (8,861,960 lbf). Isp: 331 sec. Burn time: 103 sec. Isp(sl): 296 sec. Diameter: 10.00 m (32.00 ft). Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Length: 30.00 m (98.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 24. Engine: NK-15. Status: Study 1962. Comments: Includes 14,000 kg for Stage 1-2 interstage and payload fairing. Compared to total fuelled mass excludes 15,000 kg propellant expended in thrust build-up and boil-off prior to liftoff. Values as in draft project as defended on 2-16 July 1962.

• Stage 2. 1 x N1 Nuclear V-Bioshield. Gross Mass: 2,000,000 kg (4,400,000 lb). Empty Mass: 650,000 kg (1,430,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 19,600.000 kN (4,406,200 lbf). Isp: 900 sec. Burn time: 600 sec. Diameter: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft). Length: 130.00 m (420.00 ft). Propellants: Nuclear/LH2. No Engines: 20. Engine: YaRD Type V-B. Status: Study 1963. Comments: N1 nuclear upper stage study, 1963. Figures calculated based on given total stage thrust, specific impulse, engine mass.