The SNAP-10A reactor power system

April 10, 2024, 9:31AMNuclear NewsJeremy Hampshire
Left: A technician inserts a steel tube containing fuel into the SNAP-10A reactor core vessel. (Photo: DOE) Right: A cross-section view of the reactor. (Image: DOE)

Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) was an Atomic Energy Commission program with the goal of producing a portable and dependable power source centered around nuclear technology that could be utilized in land, sea, and space applications. The program aimed to provide a compact reactor—a necessity for space applications—and ran from 1955 until 1973, when it was discontinued.

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!

Related Articles

ANS names 2026 Congressional Fellows

August 5, 2025, 12:11PMANS News

The American Nuclear Society has officially selected two of its members to serve as its 2026 Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows. Alyssa Hayes and Benjamin Kasper...

ANS Congressional Fellowship applications due

May 29, 2025, 3:20PMANS News

Applications for the American Nuclear Society’s Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship are due June 6. ANS will be sponsoring two Fellows for the 2026 term, both...

Open house on the NS Savannah

May 16, 2025, 12:00PMANS Nuclear Cafe

In commemoration of National Maritime Day, there will be an open house on the NS Savannah this Sunday, May 18, in Baltimore, Md. The world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship, Savannah was...