30th anniversary of the startup of Topaz—The first thermionic nuclear reactor in the world

April 21, 2000 is the 30th anniversary of the first ground test of the thermionic reactor-converter of the Topaz nuclear power system, which gave Russian science and technology deserved authority and leadership. The successful subsequent flight tests in space of two test Topaz nuclear power systems in 1987–1988 confirmed the technical characteristics and operational safety, allowing the startup and space operation of nuclear power systems with a maximum service life of about one year.