🚀Snap 10A was a nuclear reactor launched into space as part of the US Space Program in 1965.
💡The reactor used highly enriched uranium and a sodium-potassium coolant for power generation.
🌌Snap 10A demonstrated the potential of nuclear power in space missions, but faced challenges with control systems.
🔬The reactor achieved criticality and operated safely, showcasing the feasibility of nuclear power in space.
🛰️Technical issues with the spacecraft prematurely ended the Snap 10A mission.
What was unique about the Snap 10A reactor?
—Snap 10A was a nuclear reactor designed to operate in space and demonstrated the potential for nuclear power in space missions.
What type of fuel did the Snap 10A reactor use?
—The Snap 10A reactor used highly enriched uranium as fuel.
How did the reactor achieve power control?
—The reactor used a sodium-potassium coolant, which allowed for passive power control.
Did the Snap 10A reactor operate safely?
—Yes, the reactor achieved criticality and operated safely during its mission.
Why did the Snap 10A mission end prematurely?
—The mission ended prematurely due to technical issues with the spacecraft.
00:04In 1965, the nuclear reactor Snap 10A was launched into space as part of the US Space Program.
01:12Snap 10A used highly enriched uranium and a sodium-potassium coolant for power generation.
02:14The reactor faced challenges with control systems but achieved criticality and operated safely.
07:46The mission ended prematurely due to technical issues with the spacecraft.
