SP-100

For the antigen, see Sp100 nuclear antigen.

SP-100 (Space reactor Prototype^[1]) was a U.S. research program for nuclear fission reactors usable as small fission power systems for spacecraft.^[2] It was started in 1983 by NASA, the US Department of Energy and other agencies.^[3]

SP-100 nuclear power system

A reactor was developed with heat pipes transporting the heat to thermoelectric generators. It was cooled with lithium.^[4] The project never advanced to flight hardware and was terminated in 1994.^[5]

See also

• Systems Nuclear Auxiliary Power Program and SNAP-10A, that flew in 1965
• Safe Affordable Fission Engine, a later project
• Kilopower, a later small space reactor