Nova GD-H

American heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. General Dynamics Nova design using 1 1/2 stage arrangement and new 2.4 million kgf LOx/LH2 engines. Recoverable booster 4 engine package would separate at 2,980 m/s at 87,800 m altitude; splashdown under 4 46 m diameter parachutes 1,000 km downrange. Massed estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions.

LEO Payload: 454,000 kg (1,000,000 lb) to a 185 km orbit.

Stage Data - Nova GD-H

• Stage 0. 1 x Nova GD-H-0. Gross Mass: 295,000 kg (650,000 lb). Empty Mass: 295,000 kg (650,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 109,402.000 kN (24,594,547 lbf). Isp: 410 sec. Burn time: 190 sec. Isp(sl): 350 sec. Diameter: 25.90 m (84.90 ft). Span: 33.20 m (108.90 ft). Length: 21.20 m (69.50 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 4. Engine: L-5.25H. Status: Study General Dynamics 1963. Massed estimated based on tank volumes, total thrust, and first stage burnout conditions. Recoverable booster engine package 'half stage' of a 1 1/2 stage arrangement. Separation at 2,980 m/s at 87,800 m altitude; splashdown under 4 46 m diameter parachutes 1,000 km downrange.

• Stage 1. 1 x Nova GD-H-1. Gross Mass: 8,526,000 kg (18,796,000 lb). Empty Mass: 172,000 kg (379,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 30,685.000 kN (6,898,262 lbf). Isp: 428 sec. Burn time: 500 sec. Isp(sl): 310 sec. Diameter: 25.90 m (84.90 ft). Span: 25.90 m (84.90 ft). Length: 73.80 m (242.10 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 1. Engine: L-5.00H. Status: Study General Dynamics 1963.