What was the approximate electrical power output generated by the SNAP-10A fission reactor during its operational test in 1965?

Answer

Approximately 500 watts

The SNAP-10A system, which represented the first operational nuclear fission reactor in orbit, was designed as a dedicated technology experiment rather than a primary operational power source for a functional spacecraft. During its brief operational life, which lasted for about 43 minutes before it was intentionally shut down, the reactor successfully generated a higher level of electrical power compared to the RTGs of the era. The specific output achieved during this test was documented as approximately 500 watts of electrical power. This output level was significantly higher than the low power output (tens to hundreds of watts) characteristic of RTG systems, although its duration was limited by the nature of the technology demonstration.

What was the approximate electrical power output generated by the SNAP-10A fission reactor during its operational test in 1965?

Related Questions

What power source was utilized by the US Navy's Transit 4A satellite launched in 1961?What was the approximate electrical power output generated by the SNAP-10A fission reactor during its operational test in 1965?Which specific radioactive material served as the fuel source for the SNAP device aboard the Transit 4A satellite?What fundamental operational difference exists between the RTG on Transit 4A and the SNAP-10A fission reactor regarding control?What was the primary technological role or mission objective of the SNAP-10A flight in 1965?Which issue made traditional solar arrays unsuitable for long-term navigation and deep-space probes?What event is considered the starting point for 60 years of nuclear power usage in spacecraft, according to the text?How did the engineering complexity and resource demands of the SNAP-10A fission system compare to the RTG used on Transit 4A?What characteristic defines the lifespan potential of RTG technology, as exemplified by the Transit 4A power unit?What critical safety feature was designed into the SNAP-10A reactor system before its operation ended after 43 minutes?
SpacetechnologyfirstsatelliteNuclear power