Romashka reactor
The Romashka reactor was a small Soviet experimental nuclear reactor-converter, as well as the type of reactors that following it. It was developed in the 1960s by the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy. It used direct thermoelectric conversion to electricity, similar to an RTG, rather than heating water to drive a turbine.
Reactors of the Romashka type was used to power early RORSAT satellites.
The reactor type as also been used with thermionic converters.
The fuel was highly enriched uranium (90% 235U) in the form of UC2 (Uranium carbide).
The experimental reactor was started (reached criticality) in 1964 and was decommissioned in 1966 and was used for research about direct energy conversion. It produced 40 kW.
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