Romashka reactor


The Romashka reactor was a Soviet experimental nuclear reactor. It began operation in 1964, and was developed by the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy. The reactor was a radioisotope thermoelectric generator, that used direct thermoelectric conversion to create electricity, rather than heating water to drive a turbine.
The Romashka reactor was developed with the intention of using nuclear power in space satellites, but was superseded by the more powerful BES-5 reactor. The project was canceled after the death of Sergei Korolev, who was heavily involved in the project.

Reactor design

The fuel was of highly enriched uranium in the form of UC2. A beryllium reflector was used on the ends of the reactor, and electricity was generated using silicon-germanium semiconductors.
The Romashka reactor didn't use liquid coolant; it was designed to be simple, compact, and light. Temperature was self-regulated through the use of a negative temperature reactivity coefficient. The successful demonstration of the Romashka reactor provided a baseline for further developments in Soviet nuclear power for space satellites.
The experimental reactor was started in 1964 and decommissioned in 1966, and was used to research the concept of direct energy conversion. It produced of heat, and reached temperatures of.The reactor operated for.