This is a conceptual model of the Saturn V rocket with a RIFT (reactor-in-flight-test) payload. RIFT was part of the joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Atomic Energy Commission NERVA (nuclear engine for rocket vehicle application) program. Although the Saturn V was built primarily for launching astronauts to the moon, it was to be used also in the NERVA program to launch various payloads. The NERVA program was cancelled in the mid-1960s.

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center made the model and donated it to the Museum in 1974.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
 Dimensions Other (Model): 47 1/2 × 8 1/4 in. (120.7 × 21cm)
Other (storage box): 32 1/2 × 9 1/4 × 17 1/2 in. (82.6 × 23.5 × 44.5cm)
 Materials Rocket is plastic and base is wood with a metal citation plate. Wood storage box.
 Inventory Number A19940098000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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