19 research outputs found
The Practical Application of Space Nuclear Power in the 1960âs
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