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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

SNAP 8 reactor and shield

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4875647
SNAP 8 is a nuclear powerplant intended to produce approximately 30 kw of electric power output for use in spacecraft. The system employs a nuclear reactor as the heat source for a mercury Rankine cycle power conversion system. Information is given on the design of the SNAP 8 reactor and shield, the performance requirements, design, weight, and operating characteristics of the SNAP 8 reactor are suramarized and a typical shield is discussed. The effects of spacecraft configuration and payload dose tolerance on shield weight for unmanned spacecraft are discussed. Approximate relationships are presented to facilitate rough estimates of shield weights for preliminary design studies of unmanned spacecraft employing the SNAP 8 reactor. (auth)
Research Organization:
Atomics International, Canoga Park, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
DOE Contract Number:
AT(11-1)-GEN-8
NSA Number:
NSA-17-033392
OSTI ID:
4875647
Report Number(s):
CONF-10--60; Preprint--63033
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English