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Comment by wavefunction | Hacker News Reader

I think it behooves the US and any other country serious about both climate change and extra-planetary exploration and colonization to develop a robust terrestrial nuclear power program as well as encouraging a trained cadre of nuclear engineers who can manage nuclear power sources on other planets, satellites and space-craft.

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  > encouraging a trained cadre of nuclear engineers who can manage nuclear power sources

Ignoring the context of the rest of your comment, it should be noted that the US Navy has a near-perfect record in nuclear safety. This is often attributed to them not working for a profit motive. If we're going to use nuclear power on other solar system bodies, and I expect that we will, then most likely that knowledge will come from US Navy expertise.

I am aware of the US Navy's nuclear engineering program but it's likely not capable of producing enough nuclear engineers for future needs, I expect.

They also have the benefit of being able to flood and sink reactors in the ocean to prevent meltdowns. Which is why im an advocate for off-shore nuclear power, either floating, or even better, completely underwater. Of course that increases costs, but it would make nuclear almost completely safe even in the worst case scenarios.

I think that's their plan: https://usnc.com/space/

Is the US serious about extra-planetary colonization?

As serious as any other country from what I can tell.

if (US == "Musk") ? true : false

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