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Story
January 19, 1959
The Nome Nugget
Nome, Nome County, Alaska
What is this article about?
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission announced Snap 3, a five-pound, battery-less atomic power device using polonium 210 to generate electricity via heat conversion. It could power space instruments, remote shelters, navigation aids, and hurricane beacons. Weight may reduce to three pounds; model cost $15,000.
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Atom Plant
Produced By U. S.
By FRANK E. CAREY
Associated Press Science Reporter
WASHINGTON. (AP) -- An atomic device with no moving parts and small enough to be tucked in a handbag may be the forerunner of means of providing the electricity to help man in space.
This was one result foreseen last week of a new method to provide power over lengthy periods without the aid of batteries.
The new development, hailed by the Atomic Energy Commission as "highly significant," was announced Friday at the White House.
Col. Jack Armstrong, deputy chief of the AEC's aircraft reactor division, predicted such battery-less power might also be used in the future to:
Provide juice for instruments in large, unmanned satellites for long periods of time; furnish shelter heat and power for communications and weather instruments in remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic: provide new types of navigational aid for air and sea traffic, and allow use of radio-controlled beacons which might forecast the development of hurricanes.
The device employs radioactive polonium 210 as a heat source and chemicals which convert the heat into electricity without any moving parts.
The AEC calls it Snap 3 -- short for System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power.
The development at present consists of a five-pound device, somewhat resembling a ship's barometer. Officials estimate the weight could be cut to three pounds.
The model cost $15,000. But AEC spokesmen say it probably can be turned into a production power unit.
Atom Plant
Produced By U. S.
By FRANK E. CAREY
Associated Press Science Reporter
WASHINGTON. (AP) -- An atomic device with no moving parts and small enough to be tucked in a handbag may be the forerunner of means of providing the electricity to help man in space.
This was one result foreseen last week of a new method to provide power over lengthy periods without the aid of batteries.
The new development, hailed by the Atomic Energy Commission as "highly significant," was announced Friday at the White House.
Col. Jack Armstrong, deputy chief of the AEC's aircraft reactor division, predicted such battery-less power might also be used in the future to:
Provide juice for instruments in large, unmanned satellites for long periods of time; furnish shelter heat and power for communications and weather instruments in remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic: provide new types of navigational aid for air and sea traffic, and allow use of radio-controlled beacons which might forecast the development of hurricanes.
The device employs radioactive polonium 210 as a heat source and chemicals which convert the heat into electricity without any moving parts.
The AEC calls it Snap 3 -- short for System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power.
The development at present consists of a five-pound device, somewhat resembling a ship's barometer. Officials estimate the weight could be cut to three pounds.
The model cost $15,000. But AEC spokesmen say it probably can be turned into a production power unit.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Exploration
What keywords are associated?
Atomic Device
Snap 3
Nuclear Power
Polonium 210
Space Electricity
Remote Power
What entities or persons were involved?
Frank E. Carey
Col. Jack Armstrong
Where did it happen?
Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
Frank E. Carey
Col. Jack Armstrong
Location
Washington
Event Date
Announced Friday Last Week
Story Details
Announcement of Snap 3, a compact atomic power device using polonium 210 for heat-to-electricity conversion without moving parts, potentially powering space instruments, remote areas, navigation, and weather forecasting.