Skip to content
79,433 pages · 13,741 images · since 1994 Browse A–Z Today in space history
Encyclopedia Astronautica The full story of spaceflight
Encyclopedia entry

Nova DAC ISI

Launch vehicle · USA

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

American heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Douglas/Bono design for Nova using LH2/LOx in both stages. Improved Specific Impulse chemical stage uses many engines feeding into single large nozzle.

LEO Payload: 454,500 kg (1,002,000 lb) to a 325 km orbit.

Stage Data - Nova DAC ISI

  • Stage 1. 1 x Nova DAC ISI-1. Gross Mass: 3,084,000 kg (6,799,000 lb). Empty Mass: 142,000 kg (313,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 70,146.000 kN (15,769,448 lbf). Isp: 350 sec. Burn time: 141 sec. Isp(sl): 320 sec. Diameter: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Span: 28.00 m (91.00 ft). Length: 30.50 m (100.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 14. Engine: Chamber/single nozzle. Status: Study 1963. Comments: Operational date would have been July 1977. Recoverable stage. 10% plug nozzle.
  • Stage 2. 1 x Nova DAC ISI-2. Gross Mass: 1,696,000 kg (3,739,000 lb). Empty Mass: 107,000 kg (235,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 33,754.000 kN (7,588,201 lbf). Isp: 455 sec. Burn time: 206 sec. Diameter: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Span: 21.30 m (69.80 ft). Length: 30.50 m (100.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 8. Engine: Chamber/single nozzle. Status: Study 1963. Comments: Operational date would have been July 1977. Recoverable stage.
Country
USA
Agency
Douglas