THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SPACE NUCLEAR POWER IN THE 1960'S

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4110787· OSTI ID:4110787

Wetch, J R; Dieckamp, H M; Anderson, G M

Nuclear reactor space electric power units under development in the U. S. include the SNAP-2, SNAP-8, and SNAP-10. The electric power output of these Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) extends over three decades of power, from 300 watts to 6O kilowatts. The major operational, installation, and handling characteristics of these nuclear power units are described. In particular, some limitations and restrictions with regard to payload, shielding, and radiation environment are described with respect to the power plants, their mode of installation, and system weight. The ground handling and safety, as well as the over-all safety, aspects of space reactor utilization are also described. The SNAP-10 power unit is a demonstration system that utilizes thermoelectric power conversion, The SNAP-2 power system utilizes a similar compact nuclear reactor, which is cooled with liquid sodium-potassium alloy, and coupled to a small mercury vapor turbine generator power conversion system. The SNAP-8 system is a direct outgrowth of the SNAP-2 power plant development. It wiil deliver 30,000 watts with one mercury vapor turbine generator system and weighs about 1400 (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International. Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., Canoga Park, Calif.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AT(11-1)-GEN-8
• NSA Number: NSA-15-008406
• OSTI ID: 4110787
• Report Number(s): TID-6312
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ENVIRONMENT
GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PAYLOAD
POWER
POWER PLANTS
RADIATIONS
REACTORS
SHIELDING
SNAP REACTORS
SNAP-10 SERIES
SPACE
THERMOELECTRIC CELLS
USES