Nuclear Rocket Development Station
The first ground experimental nuclear rocket engine (XE) assembly, (left), is shown here in cold flow configuration, as it makes a late evening arrival at Engine Test Stand No. 1 at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station. Image credit: NASA, 1967.
The Nuclear Rocket Development Station (NRDS) was a NASA-AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) facility concerned with performing research and development work on nuclear-powered rocket engines, such as the KIWI series, intended for use on upper-stage space flight propulsion. The test site is located at Jackass Flats, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
