THE SNAP PROGRAMME. U.S. AEC'S SPACE-ELECTRIC POWER PROGRAMME
Project SNAP, the program for developing electricpower-generating systems for space craft using radioisotope and fission reactor heat sources, is reviewed. SNAP-1 is used to designate the program for the development of a radioisotope-fueled space auxiliary power unit using Ce/sup 144/. This turbogenerator was developed and under testing operated in excess of specifications. SNAP-3, a program to develop advanced thermoelectric and thermionic conversion devices that could be used with radioisotope heat sources, resulted in a thermoelectric generator using Po/sup 210/ fuel capsules. The SNAP- 2 system uses a 50-kw(t) compact-core reactor employing liquid NaK as the coolant to transfer heat to a mercury loop to prcduce 3 kw in a high-speedshaft unit. The complete system weighs approximately 600 lb and is designed for programed start-up in orbit. Two additional space power units (SNAP-8 and SNAP-10) were started, based on the metal hydride reactor technology of SNAP-2. (M.C.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-001123
- OSTI ID:
- 4146171
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Eng., Journal Name: Nuclear Eng. Vol. Vol: 5
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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SNAP PROGRAMS. Quarterly Progress Report No. 1 for October 22-December 31, 1959
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COOLANT LOOPS
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRICITY
GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
GENERATORS
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATING
HYDRIDES
LIQUID METAL COOLANT
MERCURY
METALS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
POLONIUM 210
POTASSIUM
POWER
RADIOISOTOPES
REACTORS
SNAP SYSTEMS
SODIUM
SPACE FLIGHT
TESTING
THERMIONIC CELLS
THERMIONICS
THERMOELECTRIC CELLS