Future of deep space travel in jeopardy as NASA admits it's running out of one precious resource

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FlyingPenguin
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Future of deep space travel in jeopardy as NASA admits it's running out of one precious resource

Post by FlyingPenguin »

Back in the 1960s, NASA had a so-called SNAP (Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power) programme that developed, among other things, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). This is, in effect, a small lump of decaying plutonium-238 that gives off heat and power as it breaks down and can be loaded into a spacecraft to power it for years.

But supplies of plutonium-238 are dwindling.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/future- ... d-11325039
Christians warn us about the anti-christ for 2,000 years, and when he shows up, they buy a bible from him.

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normalicy
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Re: Future of deep space travel in jeopardy as NASA admits it's running out of one precious resource

Post by normalicy »

I know that the Russians had a lighthouse powered by it. Been going for decades.
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