FOR RELEASE: Filed December 27, 1967
PHOTO NO. 67-H-1753
JACKASS FLATS, NEVADA -- The first ground experimental nuclear rocket engine (XE) assembly, shown here in "cold flow"* configuration, is being loaded into the railroad-mounted Engine Installation Vehicle for transport to Engine Test Stand No. 1 at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Nevada. The "cold flow" experimental engine will undergo a series of tests designed to verify that the recently completed test stand is ready for "hot" engine testing; investigate engine startup under simulated altitude condition; and the checking of operating procedures not previously demonstrated.
* "Cold flow" experiments are conducted using an assembly identical to the design used in power tests except that the cold assembly does not contain any fissionable material nor produce a nuclear reaction. No fission is, therefore, generated.
Photo Credit: Joint AEC-NASA photo.
