United States · San Diego, CA · 32.912, -117.130 (approximate location)

Tungsten Nuclear Rocket

Tungsten Nuclear Rocket, a research reactor (critical assembly) in San Diego, CA, United States, with 50 W of thermal power, operated by John Jay Hopkins Laboratory for Pure and Applied Science. Decommissioned, first critical in 1965.

It was one of the 340 research reactors the United States has had; 48 remain in operation today. It went critical 23 years after the first research reactor in the United States, CP-1, Chicago Pile 1 (1942). 44 critical assemblies remain in operation today across 12 countries. Its declared uses include innovative research and materials testing.

Country

United States

City

San Diego, CA

Type

Critical assembly

Thermal power

50 W

Operator

John Jay Hopkins Laboratory for Pure and Applied Science

Status

Decommissioned

First criticality

1965

Purpose

Innovative research, materials testing

See also: every research reactor in United States · How research reactors work