Tag

Nuclear Reactor

All articles tagged with #nuclear reactor

space-exploration5 months ago

NASA Accelerates Lunar Nuclear Reactor Project to Outpace Rivals

NASA plans to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to support the Artemis program's goal of establishing a sustained presence, driven by the need for reliable power in shadowed lunar regions and in response to China's and Russia's lunar ambitions. This marks NASA's first move from research to deployment of space nuclear fission technology, aiming to secure strategic lunar territory and advance human exploration beyond Earth.

science-and-technology5 months ago

NASA's Moon Nuclear Reactor Plan: A New Era in Space Exploration

NASA plans to launch a nuclear reactor to the moon by 2030 to support future human bases, addressing the limitations of solar power during lunar nights. The reactor would generate around 100 kilowatts, similar to Earth reactors but adapted for the moon's environment, with safety measures to prevent environmental contamination. The project faces challenges including high costs, technical hurdles, and geopolitical competition, but aims to establish U.S. leadership in lunar exploration.

technologyscience1 year ago

"Unanswered Questions: Inside the Melted Fukushima Reactor"

Images taken by miniature drones inside the damaged Fukushima reactor show displaced control equipment and misshapen materials, leaving many questions unanswered about the location and condition of the highly radioactive melted nuclear fuel. The 12 photos released by the plant’s operator, TEPCO, reveal brown objects of various shapes and sizes dangling from the pedestal, but it remains unclear whether they are melted fuel or equipment. The lack of information highlights the difficulty of the decommissioning process, which has already been delayed for years by technical hurdles and the lack of data.

science-and-technology1 year ago

"Unveiling the Damage: Deep Inside the Melted Fukushima Reactor"

Miniature drones captured the first images from inside the main structural support of the Fukushima No. 1 reactor, revealing displaced control equipment and misshapen materials. The photos, released by the plant's operator, highlight the challenges of decommissioning the plant and the difficulty in assessing the condition of the melted nuclear fuel. The 880 tons of highly radioactive melted nuclear fuel inside the damaged reactors present a daunting task for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), which is attempting to gather more information to facilitate its removal. However, the lack of data and the unknown interior of the reactors suggest that the cleanup process may be overly optimistic and face significant delays.

odd-news1 year ago

"Teen Builds Nuclear Reactor in Mom's Shed, Shocks Community"

A former boy scout, David Charles Hahn, stunned his neighborhood by building a nuclear reactor in his mother's shed in Michigan in 1994. Mistaken for a thief, authorities discovered radioactive materials in the shed and had to conduct a costly clean-up. Although charges were dropped, Hahn later faced legal troubles and struggled with mental health and substance abuse, ultimately passing away in 2016.

space-technology1 year ago

"NASA's Lunar Nuclear Reactor Project Gains Momentum"

NASA's Fission Surface Power Project, aimed at developing a small nuclear fission reactor to generate electricity on the lunar surface, has completed its initial phase with three $5 million contracts awarded to commercial partners. The project seeks to create a system that can support lunar bases for a decade and serve as a pathway for similar systems on Mars. The reactor designs are expected to provide a reliable power source during the 14-night-long lunar night and are part of NASA's Artemis program, with plans for deployment on the Moon in the early 2030s.

energy1 year ago

"Delayed Again: Georgia Nuclear Reactor Faces Setback Due to Cooling System Vibrations"

Georgia Power Co. announced that vibrations in the cooling system of its second new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle will delay the unit's commercial operation until the second quarter of 2024. The utility faces potential profit losses and extra construction costs due to the delay, with regulators imposing restrictions on additional returns. The total cost of the Vogtle reactors is projected to near $35 billion, significantly higher than the initial estimate, raising concerns about the economic viability of pursuing nuclear power.

space-exploration1 year ago

"NASA's Nuclear Power Initiative: Fueling Lunar and Martian Exploration"

NASA's Fission Surface Power Project is concluding its initial phase, aiming to develop a small nuclear fission reactor for potential use on the Moon and Mars. Three commercial partners have been awarded contracts to design the reactor, with a focus on safety, reliability, and the ability to operate for a decade without human intervention. The reactor, capable of producing 40 kilowatts of electrical power, could provide a sustainable energy source for lunar exploration and science efforts, particularly during the 14-and-a-half Earth day-long lunar nights. NASA plans to extend the Phase 1 contracts to gather more information before moving into Phase 2, with a target date for delivering a reactor to the launch pad in the early 2030s.

international-affairs2 years ago

North Korea's Second Nuclear Reactor Confirmed Operational by IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and independent experts have stated that a new reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears to be operational, potentially providing an additional source of plutonium for nuclear weapons. The discharge of warm water from the reactor suggests that it has reached criticality, indicating a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. The IAEA, which has not had access to North Korea since 2009, relies on satellite imagery to monitor the country's nuclear activities. The reactor's operational status cannot be confirmed without access. Researchers estimate that the reactor could significantly increase North Korea's plutonium production, raising concerns about the advancement of its nuclear program.

space-technology2 years ago

Rolls-Royce Reveals Moon Colony Power Solution with Concept Nuclear Reactor

Rolls-Royce has unveiled a concept model for a miniature nuclear reactor that could potentially power a colony on the moon. The project, supported by a £2.9 million contract from the UK Space Agency, aims to provide a reliable energy source for future lunar settlements. The company plans to have a reactor ready for deployment to the moon by the early 2030s. These micronuclear reactors, generating less than 50 megawatts of electric power, could offer a much-needed energy solution for long-term lunar habitation, as solar energy can be unreliable. Other companies, including Lockheed Martin and NASA, are also developing similar miniature reactors for space exploration.