Kiwi TNT: An Explosive Nuclear Rocket Test

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a nuclear rocket engine exploded?? Wonder no more!
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory successfully constructed three working nuclear rocket engines as part of the Rover Program. Though these propulsion reactors were never flight tested, these engineering marvels continue to stand among the great technical achievements of Los Alamos.
The first generation of Rover rocket engines were dubbed Kiwis. These were never intended to fly, hence the name. The culminating test of the Kiwi series was called Kiwi TNT (Transient Nuclear Test). In this test, a Kiwi rocket was intentionally exploded at the Nevada Test Site. Find out why in this exciting film from Los Alamos!