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NASA Developing Small Nuclear Reactor For the Moon

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-they're-nasa dept.

marshotel writes "NASA astronauts will need power sources when they return to the moon and establish a lunar outpost. NASA engineers are exploring the possibility of nuclear fission to provide the necessary power, and they are taking initial steps toward a non-nuclear technology demonstration of this type of system."

7 of 431 comments (clear)

  1. Can't wait to see... by Schnoogs · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...GreenPeace launch their intergalactic spaceship to intercept NASA in orbit and all of the zero-g protesters.

    1. Re:Can't wait to see... by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 5, Funny

      The reactor is going to explode and contaminate the moon, turning it into a place where a human cannot survive without some kind of protective clothing. Clearly, this is unacceptable.

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    2. Re:Can't wait to see... by gnick · · Score: 5, Funny

      One big problem with putting a slingshot on the moon capable of achieving escape velocity. I read an analysis on the topic several years back:

      First we establish the means of hurling stuff off of the moon sufficient to achieve escape velocity. Soon we realize the potential of using that mechanism for mining and establish a mining colony. Miners realize that, after several years in 1/6 gravity, they cannot return to Earth and their resources are being irreversibly diminished because hurling ore at Earth is much cheaper than hurling water at the moon. Through the aid of an advanced computer, they decide to declare war and start "throwing rocks" at us.

      Sure, moon culture may turn out to be pretty cool and incorporate some groovy polygamy, but nobody wants a rock war.

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    3. Re:Can't wait to see... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Paper beats rock, and we have plenty of trees here on Earth. We can't lose!

    4. Re:Can't wait to see... by mpeskett · · Score: 5, Funny

      Until they build a giant pair of scissors out of moon-metal...

  2. Send Homer. by Verdatum · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nuclear technician, spaceflight experience. Not as proficient as the inanimate carbon rod, but who is?

  3. Doesn't work by Sloppy · · Score: 5, Funny

    just use a big slingshot

    In the thin/nonexistent atmosphere of the moon, the rubber bands dry out and crumble quickly.

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