Space Nuclear Power

[SuperFastJellyfish]

Faster process to make Pu-238:

https://www.iflscience.com/space/scientists-have-found-a-new-way-to-create-a-radioactive-power-source-for-space-exploration/

Quote

However, this radioactive isotope has always proved to be a pain to produce – until now. On behalf of the US Department of Energy, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have found a way to automate the production of neptunium oxide-aluminum pellets. The high-density pellets can then be simply (relatively speaking) irradiated and chemically processed into plutonium-238, meaning production of this invaluable isotope is easier than ever.

“The automation replaces a function our team did by hand and is expected to increase the output of pressed pellets from 80 to 275 per week,” Bob Wham of ORNL said in a statement.

 

Quote

A few decades ago, towards the close of the Cold War, the world’s stockpiles of plutonium-238 were running low. The US has restarted production of the isotope in recent years, however, it's some margin off NASA’s targets. ORNL has previously stated that NASA only had about 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of plutonium-238 left, just enough for two or three more space exploration missions. It’s hoped that this solution could seriously help to ramp up production to meet NASA’s grand target before dwindling supplies reach crisis point. 

“Automating part of the Pu-238 production process is helping push annual production from 50 grams to 400 grams, moving closer to NASA’s goal of 1.5 kilograms per year by 2025," said Wham.

 

Edit:  DoE link - https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/oak-ridge-national-laboratory-automates-key-process-plutonium-238-production

Edited January 17, 2019 by SuperFastJellyfish

[Scotius]

It's a very deadly, very poisonous and radioactive substance - and we are happy we can now produce more of it, and faster. Space nerds are weird

[DDE]

18 minutes ago, Scotius said:

It's a very deadly, very poisonous and radioactive substance - and we are happy we can now produce more of it, and faster. Space nerds are weird

*juggles flasks of ClF5*

[kerbiloid]

Spoiler

These blue signs on the flasks...

Do they use magic???

[YNM]

On 5/2/2018 at 9:54 PM, tater said:

DUFF, KRUSTY

Spoiler

Hmm....

 

[Xd the great]

On 1/17/2019 at 5:09 PM, DDE said:

*juggles flasks of ClF5*

*Plays dodgeball with bottles of ClF3 and UDMH*

*"Accidentally" smashes the two flasks together*

[DDE]

44 minutes ago, Xd the great said:

*"Accidentally" smashes the two flasks together*

The UDMH makes literally no difference