Snap I Radioisotope-Fueled Turboelectric Power Conversion System Summary, January 1957 to June 1959

Abstract

The SNAP I development program was initiated in January 1957 to develop a 500-watt, turboelectric power conversion system for space applications. Superheated mercury vapor was used as the heat conversion working fluid" The conversion system was to obtain thermal energy from the decay of a radioisotope fuel such as Cerium-144. In this report, each of the major components and systems, is summarized with respect to initial design objectives, development progress to the point of program termination, results obtained from tests and, where indicated, future growth potentials Reference is made to 10 other reports which describe, in detail, the major components of this power generating system. Also included is a bibliography of Martin documented reports that are related to the power conversion system design criteria or system integration into a flight vehicle.