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Difficulties of the Nuclear Powered Prometheus Project

Posted by michael on from the nukes-in-space dept.

brandido writes "Space.com is reporting on some of the technological difficulties facing the nuclear powered Prometheus Project. In particular, it is focusing on the fact that the Prometheus project promises to represent a paradigm shift in the capabilities of interplanetary probes. Such a large shift in capabilities entails the development of new technologies and designs, a process that is often full of mishaps and setbacks."

2 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. Just one problem... by JScarpace · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What happens when something like the Challenger disaster occurs to a launch vehicle carrying a nuclear reactor?

    1. Re:Just one problem... by Kiriwas · · Score: 4, Interesting

      As far as I know, there are protective measures you can take surrounding the actually nuclear material. There's no doubt it will come tumbling out of the sky, but it won't be radioactive dust, it will be more like a giant, heavy metal box that goes BANG..still fully encased. We've been building enclosures to keep explosions INSIDE for years, I see no reason we can't build enclosures to keep explosions OUTSIDE.