Russian TOPAZ II System Test Program (1970–1989)

The Russian Topaz II system is a space nuclear power system capable of producing 4.5 to 5.5 kWe for three years of continuous autonomous operation. To qualify the system for flight, the Russian Topaz II program extensively tested their systems over a 20‐year period. Approximately 28 systems were fabricated for testing. During this time, two primary reasons necessitated system changes: the evolution of the military user requirements, and failures during testing that resulted in modifications and follow‐on systems testing. For these reasons the design, the technology, and the materials used for the system were modified and improved. The Russian Topaz II systems test program was sub‐divided into four major categories: nonnuclear thermophysical testing; mechanical testing, which included static load testing, dynamic testing, and impact/shock testing; nuclear ground testing; and cold temperature testing (CTT) to simulate prelaunch and launch temperature conditions. The testing was performed in a systematic man...