Nukes in Space: Should You Be Losing Sleep Over Them?

<p>If we are talking about a nuclear power source, then no. There are nuclear power sources in space on scientific probes right now and have been for decades. These are in the flavor of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), also known as &ldquo;nuclear batteries.&rdquo; RTGs are relatively harmless and extremely safe. They can&rsquo;t detonate, melt down, or even really hurt you unless you literally break into the fuel and eat it. A real RTG is, in fact, way less hazardous than even Mark Watney thought it was.</p> <p>If we are talking about a fission reactor, then please stand behind the radiation shield, but, again, not inherently &ldquo;destabilizing.&rdquo; These will be essential for permanent off-earth human habitation as well as certain in-space propulsion applications. You should expect that nuclear reactors in space will become commonplace in the decades to come.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@ToryBrunoULA/nukes-in-space-should-you-be-losing-sleep-over-them-ecf983660acc"><strong>Visit Now</strong></a></p>