U.S. Eyes Building Nuclear Power Plants on the Moon, Mars

[smp]

From Time.com:
"(BOISE, Idaho) — The U.S. wants to build nuclear power plants that will work on the moon and Mars, and on Friday put out a request for ideas from the private sector on how to do that.

The U.S. Department of Energy put out the formal request to build what it calls a fission surface power system that could allow humans to live for long periods in harsh space environments.

The Idaho National Laboratory, a nuclear research facility in eastern Idaho, the Energy Department and NASA will evaluate the ideas for developing the reactor."

https://time.com/5871667/nuclear-power-plant-moon/

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[Shabadoo]

What could possibly go wrong?

[Star Dad]

Mmm. I sure hope they don't plan on launching it into space WITH the fuel on board. Imagine the fallout from an accidental explosion after lift off. Here's an interesting read on former nuclear explosions on Mars. https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc ... f/2660.pdf

[GCoyote]

Faced with the reality of Martian dust storms, it's probably the only option.