SP-100 (Space Reactor Program)
ID: sp-100
Summary
DOE/NASA/SDIO joint program for 100 kWe space nuclear reactor. Cancelled 1994 with SDIO.
Intelligence Analysis
SP-100 — Space Nuclear Reactor Program
SP-100 was a tri-agency program (DOE/NASA/SDIO) established in 1983 to develop a 100 kWe space nuclear reactor. It is the foundational U.S. space nuclear power program, establishing the technology base for all subsequent space reactor efforts including Kilopower/KRUSTY. The parallel classified Timberwind program shows how the same technology base exists in both White and Black tracks simultaneously.
Key Findings
- ▸ ### SP-100 — Space Nuclear Reactor Program SP-100 was a tri-agency program (DOE/NASA/SDIO) established in 1983 to develop a 100 kWe space nuclear reactor.
- ▸ space nuclear power program, establishing the technology base for all subsequent space reactor efforts including Kilopower/KRUSTY.
- ▸ The parallel classified Timberwind program shows how the same technology base exists in both White and Black tracks simultaneously.
Network Linkage
Connects to: DOE (co-sponsor), NASA (co-sponsor), SDI (co-sponsor), Kilopower/KRUSTY (successor technology), Timberwind (parallel classified program). The SP-100 → Kilopower transition demonstrates the cyclical pattern of nuclear space programs.
Related Entities (4)
Network Graph
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View in Network GraphTimeline Mentions (3)
SP-100 Space Reactor Program Founded
SP-100, a joint DOE/NASA/SDIO program, was founded in 1983 to develop a 100 kWe space nuclear reactor for strategic defense and space exploration. The program was cancelled in 1994.
programSP-100 Space Reactor Program Cancelled
SP-100 was cancelled in 1994, coinciding with the end of SDIO and the reduction of strategic defense funding. The technology base was later revived through Kilopower/KRUSTY.
programKilopower Space Fission Reactor Program Founded
Kilopower, a NASA/LANL/DOE collaborative program to develop small fission reactors (1-10 kWe) for space missions, was founded in 2015. The program is the successor to the SP-100 technology base.
programGlossary Definition
A joint DOE/NASA/SDIO program (1983-1994) to develop a 100 kWe space nuclear reactor for strategic defense and space exploration. Cancelled 1994. Precursor to Kilopower/KRUSTY.
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