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NERVA

from A Gilded Age by Life Insular

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about

Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) was a joint project between NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to develop nuclear rocket engines for long-range space missions, including possible future Mars shots, which required more efficient means of propulsion than the chemical engines of the time. These were conceptualized, designed, tested, and found to be far more feasible than science fiction - then unceremoniously scrapped, before they could light up the skies above the Nevada test sites in radioactive glow. I feel like those who worked on those impressive pieces of engineering would have loved to see the children of their labours take flight at least once.

(The actual engines used uranium for fissile material, but 'plutonium' sounded better.)

lyrics

Like a star in sandy haze
that streaks across the moon
to the farthest ends of the galaxy
from her home in these rolling dunes

If the sun falls from Nevada skies
with nothing new to show,
let her rest her head on the dry lake bed
in the radiation glow

'til the morning comes again
and the flags begin to fly
Strap her in with a pair of wings
and watch her as she flies

High across the desert sky
in red and plutonium green
Flying higher and further than
any man will ever see

Like a star in moonlit night
that flies to the edge of space
then gliders down to the desert ground
just to take right off again

credits

from A Gilded Age, released February 6, 2023

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Life Insular Quezon City, Philippines

I live on an island.
I make dreamy, vaguely nautical pop.

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