Ask an Explainer
Q:
Are nuclear reactors used in rockets?
A:
Nuclear power is incredibly efficient, so it is used quite commonly in space, though not as commonly as solar power (which is cheaper, and renewable).
It is perfect for deep space exploration probes. New Horizons, the probe that recently flew by Pluto, was actually carrying a small amount of plutonium.

Posted on September 14, 2015 at 9:38 am
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