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Russia Plans Martian Nuclear Station

Posted by michael on from the dreaming-big dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The BBC reports that Russian scientists have announced plans to build a nuclear power station on Mars. They say that all the necessary technical drawings have now been completed, and all will be ready for the construction work to begin. The power plant should be up and running by 2030."

4 of 619 comments (clear)

  1. In Soviet Russia, Nuclear Power Stations Oh, wait. by 2toise · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is ridiculous, Russia can't afford the upkeep on the International Space Station, let alone Mars adventures, even with the international support the article mentions, this is just hot air. It may be prestigious to be the first nation with a base on Mars, but it just isn't going to happen for Russia in the next 30 years.

  2. source of fuel by jmacgill · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The main thing that will worry most people is where the fuel is comming from.

    Uranium may well be available on Mars, but I can't imagine they will have the facilities to mine it.

    If that means they have to take it from Earth then it could be messy if a launch goes wrong.

    That said, I guess they won't need much fuel, its not like there are going to be any big cities any time soon...

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    Spell checker (c) creative spelling inc. (aka my dyslexic brain)
  3. Key omission. :) by Mr_Icon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    There is a Russian version of the article, in which there is this paragraph (in my translation):

    The scientists admit that they have no idea how this [taking large pre-built components and delivering them 300 mln km away] can be achieved. However, they are certain that once the station starts operating, all future inhabitants of Mars will have plenty of electrical power for many years to come.

    Now THIS is what I call vaporware. :)

    --
    If you open yourself to the foo, You and foo become one.
  4. Re:I hope this turns into a space race by Ahotasu · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I respectfully disagree. Sure, it's dangerous, but how many of the Mars probes that we've lost would've been had we had (wo)men on them? Sure, they'd cost more and take longer to develop, but I bed we'd learn a whole lot more in the process.

    This is one of my favorite quotes (and email sigs), from one in the biz (granted, some time ago, but I think the quote is no less relevant now than back then...and will be for some time).

    "Man is the best computer we can put aboard
    a spacecraft... and the only one that can
    be mass produced with unskilled labor."
    --Wernher von Braun

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    --- Standard disclaimer applies.