Space isotope power program. Quarterly report, October--December 1968 Page: 25 of 60
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1.3 SNAP 29
Isotopes D. Spatz 505-264-1159
AT(29-2)-2062 P. Syroid 505-264-1159
W. W. Joseph 505-264-2970
E. F. Johnson 505-264-2970
F. L. McFarling 505-264-2138
The SNAP 29 program, initiated by the AEC to satisfy possible
space mission requirements, was contracted to the Martin Marietta
Company in early 1966. During the previous quarter, the Martin Marietta
Nuclear Division was purchased by Isotopes, a subsidiary of Teledyne
Company and was renamed the Nuclear Systems Division of Isotopes.
The SNAP 29 plans are to use the thermal energy from 210polonium
fuel, converted to electrical power by lead-telluride thermoelectric
couples. A 90-day mission is to be supported by a multihundred-watt
RTG built in a module concept. Water heat pipes are proposed for the
heat-rejection system. Thermal control is accomplished by an actuator-
shutter system to radiate the excess thermal energy.
General
Isotopes is presently preparing a revised program plan to reflect
recent funding and system development changes. This program is expected
to be reviewed later this quarter. Basic considerations are the pro-
duction of an electrically heated demonstration model RTG by December 1969
and an isotope-fueled demonstration model about July 1970. Serious con-
sideration is being given to using a burnup heat source for this program.
Electrical Heat Source
Fabrication and assembly of the first electrical heat source is
nearly complete. Effort on this task has been delayed somewhat because
of emphasis on the isotopic heat source.
Heat-Rejection System
Isotopes is having perhaps more than normal "start-up" difficulties
with the diffusion-bonding fixture to bond the nickel heat pipes to the
aluminum radiator panel. The schedule for the manufacturing checkout
test, in which 10 heat pipes are to be diffusion-bonded to the radiator
panel, has slipped from mid-October, 1968, to early 1969. This test
will not be performed until an adequate amount of experimentation has
been done to select a combination of pressure, temperature, and time
which results in a good diffusion bond.21
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Space isotope power program. Quarterly report, October--December 1968, report, February 1, 1969; Albuquerque, New Mexico. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc865577/m1/25/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.