Nositel N-1 Lunar Launch
Vehicle
N-1 First Stage
An N-1 "Block A" first stage during checkout in the
hanger at Baikonur. Note the squarish, black object near the bottom
fustrum, which was one of the 4 "stabilators" used to stabilize the vehicle
during powered flight. Also note the lattice work of tubes used as an interstage
at the top of the stage.
This stage was 55.7 feet in diameter at the
bottom and 98.4 feet in length. It was powered by 30 NK-33 engines
producing a total thrust of 5,091 tons.
This hanger, like the N-1 launch pads, was later
used for the heavy-lift Energiya rocket and Buran space shuttle.
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