S‐PRIME/TI‐SNPS program activities in FY94 critical components testing

A conceptual design for a 40‐kWe thermionic space nuclear power system (TI‐SNPS) known as the S‐PRIME system is being developed by Rockwell and its subcontractors for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), United States Air Force (USAF), and Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) under the TI‐SNPS Program. Phase 1 of this program includes developing a conceptual design of a 5‐ to 40‐kWe range TI‐SNPS and validating key technologies that support the design. All key technologies for the S‐PRIME design have been identified along with six critical component demonstrations, which will be used to validate the S‐PRIME design features.