The reactor used direct thermoelectric conversion to create electricity, rather than heating water to drive a turbine.

[2][3][4] A beryllium reflector was used on the ends of the reactor, and electricity was generated using silicon-germanium semiconductors.

The Romashka reactor didn't use liquid coolant; it was designed to be simple, compact, and light.

The successful demonstration of the Romashka reactor provided a baseline for further developments in Soviet nuclear power for space satellites.

[citation needed] The experimental reactor was started (reached criticality) in 1964 and decommissioned in 1966, and was used to research the concept of direct energy conversion.