Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power Program
The Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) programme developed compact nuclear power systems, including both radioisotope generators and fission-reactor power technology. Begun by the Atomic Energy Commission and US Air Force in 1955, it continued through an AEC–NASA partnership to 1973. Reactor development and testing included SNAP-2, SNAP-8 and SNAP-10 hardware at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, with Atomics International as a major contractor. The SNAP-10A orbital demonstration launched in 1965 used liquid-metal coolant and thermoelectric conversion. SNAP denotes the managed development programme; SNAP-10A is one hardware and flight-test outcome.
Identity
- Aliases
- SNAPSystems Nuclear Auxiliary PowerSystem for Nuclear Auxiliary PowerSystems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power
- Domains
- spaceflight
- Name
- Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power Program
- Status
- completed
- Types
- researchdevelopment
Details
- Description
- The Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) programme developed compact nuclear power systems, including both radioisotope generators and fission-reactor power technology. Begun by the Atomic Energy Commission and US Air Force in 1955, it continued through an AEC–NASA partnership to 1973. Reactor development and testing included SNAP-2, SNAP-8 and SNAP-10 hardware at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, with Atomics International as a major contractor. The SNAP-10A orbital demonstration launched in 1965 used liquid-metal coolant and thermoelectric conversion. SNAP denotes the managed development programme; SNAP-10A is one hardware and flight-test outcome.
- End Date
- 1973
- Leads
- Participants
- -
- Start Date
- 1955
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- October 29, 2026 at 16:03:20 UTC
- Updated Time
- October 29, 2026 at 16:03:20 UTC