Kiwi A was considered a success as a proof of concept for nuclear rocket engines. Kiwi was considered to have served as a proof of concept for nuclear rocket engines. Finger headed one, which studied nuclear rocket propulsion. Silverstein appointed Finger from Lewis to oversee the nuclear rocket development. The laboratory demonstrated the feasibility and value of nuclear rocket propulsion. Area 25 is the site of the now decommissioned Nuclear Rocket Development Station (NRDS). The trip is accomplished by the "etheroneph", a combination of nuclear rocket and anti-gravity device. It was built in support of Project Rover to test prototype nuclear rocket engines. Neither type had previously been tested in a nuclear rocket propulsion reactor. NERVA NRX (Nuclear Rocket Experimental), started testing in September 1964. Abbott supervised the X-15, supersonic transport, nuclear rocket and advanced reentry programs. N Division developed nuclear rocket engines required for deep space exploration. The tests demonstrated that a nuclear rocket engine would be rugged and reliable in space. The nuclear rocket typically operates by passing liquid hydrogen gas through an operating nuclear reactor.