SP-100
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SP-100 (Space reactor Prototype[1]) was a U.S. research program for nuclear fission reactors usable as small fission power systems for spacecraft.[2] It was started in 1983 by NASA, the US Department of Energy and other agencies.[3]
A reactor was developed with heat pipes transporting the heat to thermoelectric generators. It was cooled with lithium.[4] The project never advanced to flight hardware and was terminated in 1994.[5]
See also
- Systems Nuclear Auxiliary Power Program and SNAP-10A, that flew in 1965
- Safe Affordable Fission Engine, a later project
- Kilopower, a later small space reactor
