Spacecraft: Project Nerva - Engine
	Reactor Tests | Vehicle Design | Mission | Gallery
	1 From LH2 tank 2 Pump 3 Turbine 4 Turbopump exhaust 5 Nozzle collant pipe (carries entire hydrogen flow) 6 Exhaust nozzle 7 3% of reactor efflux 8 Radiation shield 9 Turbine power control valve The thermodynamic nuclear rocket scores over the conventional bi-propellant engine because the LH2 can be heated (without being oxidised) to a much higher temperature, with consequent increase in thrust.