XE-Prime (nuclear reactor) A nuclear reactor that was a focal point of the NERVA program. The XE-Prime reactor was incorporated in a complete mockup of a nuclear rocket engine and used to investigate engine start-up and shutdown characteristics, as well as the resulting engine performance. It was tested on Jun. 11, 1969, in a vertical downward firing test of the engine in a simulated space vacuum (1.6 psia), achieving a power output of 1,140 MWt for 210 seconds. The other reactor series developed during the NERVA program was NRX. Related entry nuclear propulsion Related category ADVANCED PROPULSION CONCEPTS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |