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More Water Out There — Ice Found On an Asteroid
Matt_dk writes "For the first time, astronomers have confirmed that an asteroid contains frozen water on its surface. Analysis of asteroid 24 Themis shows evidence of water ice along with organic compounds widespread across the surface. The scientists say these new findings support the theory that asteroids brought both water and organic compounds to the early Earth, helping lay the foundation for life on the planet."
It has nothing to do with the 'usual hippies' and everything to do with the '63 Partial Test Ban Treaty. It's against the law until we re-write, ratify that treaty.
I get hating 'the other guy' but try to hate them for things they've actually done rather than irrationally applying every perceived slight to them.
The test ban treaty covers nuclear weapons in space, not nuclear reactors.
First, the test ban treaty covers nuclear detonations. The ban doesn't address 'weapons in space' it covers further testing of detonations in any medium other than underground (ie water, surface, atmosphere and space).
Secondly a nuclear reactor is an excellent mechanism for generating heat, not an overly good mechanism for generating propulsion in space. Nuclear propulsion in space is via 'pulse propulsion', essentially a series of nuclear detonations which unfortunately are directly covered by the Partial Test Ban Treaty.