SNAP 2. NUCLEAR SPACE POWER SYSTEM
After a brief review of the history of the SNAP Project, the program objectives are set out and the SNAP-2 unit is described. The system consists of a 200-lb reactor, cooled by NaK, with a 120 deg -F outlet temperature and a hermetically sealed mercury-vaper power conversion system. The total weight is 600 lb and the output is 3 kw electrical for one year automatic. The reactor uses ZrH/sub 4/--U/sup 235/ fuel reflected by beryllium and controlled by rotation of two semicylindrical beryllium drums. The core is a bundle of cylindrical fuel-moderator elements in steel tubes in a 9-in.-diam. core vessel. Coolant inlet temperature is 1000 deg F for the 50-kw thermal output. The power conversion system has a mercury-vaper two-stage axial-flow impulse turbine, an alternator, a centrifugal mercury pump, and a rotating magnet NaK pump all on one shaft, lubricated by mercury. Cycle rejection heat is radiated to space by a combined radiator-condenser which forms the outer part of the space vehicle. Shielding design and location of the unit as influenced by the space vehicle configuration are discussed, and data on dose rate versus distance are given. (T.R.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Atomics International, Canoga Park, Calif.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-005501
- OSTI ID:
- 4109181
- Journal Information:
- Astronautics, Vol. Vol: 5, No. 12; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
APPLICATION OF SNAP 2 TO MANNED ORBITAL SPACE STATIONS
AIRCRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROJECT QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 10, 1955