Posted on 10/21/2009 12:43:45 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The U.S. Senate gave final passage to an energy and water spending bill Oct. 15 that denies President Barack Obama’s request for $30 million for the Department of Energy to restart production of plutonium-238 (pu-238) for NASA deep space missions.
The House of Representatives originally approved $10 million of Obama’s pu-238 request for next year, but ultimately adopted the Senate’s position before voting Oct. 1 to approve the conference report on the 2010 Energy-Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 3183). The bill now heads to Obama, who is expected to sign it.
NASA relies on pu-238 to power long-lasting spacecraft batteries that transform heat into electricity. With foreign and domestic supplies dwindling, NASA officials are worried the shortage will prevent the agency from sending spacecraft to the outer planets and other destinations where sunlight is scarce
(Excerpt) Read more at spacenews.com ...
I was just reading an article (Popular Science?) on how medical isotopes will also be in shorter supply and not everyone will be able to be treated. Unintended consequences and all that. Bunch of commie bastards.
It’s probably just as well. That money most likely would have never made its way into NASA’s coffers anyway.
When considering the fate of any federal expenditure authorized by this congress or requested by this administration that doesn’t blatantly line rat coffers or buy votes for them, I’m reminded of the sea turtle hatchlings of Mexico that must run the gauntlet of open beach where all manner of predators await them along their harrowing dash to the sea.
The medical isotopes are produced by 1 plant in Canada, and 1 plant in Holland. Both plants are aging and require extensive maintenance.
That is why medical isotopes are in short supply; it has nothing to do with this.
I don't think it is unintended at all. These enviro weenies see humanity (other than themselves) as the enemy and want us to die as quickly as possible. I think that is one intention of the misnamed "Health Care" bill. These people are sick.
Geez cleel - you made me go find the article and actually read it and not just the headline! (Popular Science, Nov. 2009, page 33).
You are right obviously about those two reactors. If I had read the article I would have seen that they were specialized reactors just to produce medical isotopes. I thought those were just leftover by-products of regular reactors. And then the Canadians were in the process of building one huge reactor so other countries figured it wouldn’t be competitive to build their own.
BUT - the Canadadians just stopped theirs because of so many major faults and problems. So everyone is set back 20 years! Some modifications may be made to some other plants so hope that can help for a bit.
Interesting article - thanks for making me read it.
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