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Russia’s grandiose nuclear in space plans

Russia toys with exotic nuclear space projects 02-27-2010
Source: RIA Novosti Russia is pondering new applications for yet-to-be-built nuclear-powered spacecraft, including military satellites, nuclear power plants, and space tugs, Energia space corporation said Wednesday.

The corporation is also ready to design a space-based nuclear power station with a capacity of 150 to 500 KW with a service life of 10-15 years, to be initially placed on the moon or Mars.

Another prospective project, Lopota said, is a heavy space platform that would replace several telecommunication satellites, complete with a standalone nuclear power plant, rocket engines and advanced communication antennas.

Such a platform would have a mass of around 20 tons, a service life of 10-15 years and could be built by 2018.

Energia is also working on a concept of a nuclear-powered space tug, which could more than halve satellite launching and orbiting costs.

Russia has yet to build a spaceship with a nuclear engine. The government has said it will allocate 500 million rubles ($16.7 million) for the project this year.

Russia toys with exotic nuclear space projects – Restore The Republic

March 3, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Russia | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear secrecy, nuclear technology, nuclear wastes, nuclear weapons, radiation, reactor