New Atlas

Energy Audio available

Nuclear fusion breakthrough breathes life into the overlooked Z-pinch approach

Nick Lavars April 10, 2019

Tokamak reactors and fusion stellarators are a couple of the experimental devices used in pursuit of nuclear fusion, but scientists at the University of Washington are taking a far less-frequented route known as a Z-pinch, with the early signs pointing to a cheaper and more efficient path forward.

The Z-pinch confinement system at the University of Washington

Space Audio available

Automation speeds up production of nuclear space fuel

David Szondy January 20, 2019

To help power American's deep space probes, The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has automated key steps in the process to make plutonium-238 (PU-238) nuclear fuel for radiothermal generators (RTG).

Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have automated part of the process of producing plutonium-238, which is ...

Military

New mask to protect military aircrews against weapons of mass destruction

David Szondy December 4, 2018

The US Air Force has completed testing of its new face mask for helicopter and other rotary aircraft crews. The Joint Service Aircrew Mask – Rotary Wing (JSAM-RW) mask is one of five variants that will replace a whole range of masks worn by military aircrews.

An Airman demonstrates the Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Rotary Wing mask

Robotics

Researchers call on Iron Man for nuclear workwear inspiration

David Szondy November 29, 2018

For decommissioning a nuclear site, researchers at the University of Bristol are proposing an Iron Man-like armored exoskeleton that would protect workers from radioactive contamination, while also reducing fatigue and providing vital information through helmet-mounted AR displays.

Future nuclear worker suits could take their inspiration from Iron Man

Energy Audio available

Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor keeps its cool en route to record-breaking results

Nick Lavars November 26, 2018

Scientists working on the cutting edge Wendelstein 7-X nuclear fusion reactor are reporting the experimental device has achieved its highest energy density and the longest plasma discharge times for device of this type, marking another step forward in the quest for clean fusion power.

Inside the contorted chamber of the Wendelstein 7-X nuclear reactor

Energy Audio available

Fusion breakthrough as China's "artificial sun" reaches 100 million degrees

David Szondy November 14, 2018

The day of clean, limitless energy from nuclear fusion has taken another step closer after China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) reached a core plasma temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius (180 million degrees Fahrenheit).

China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) achieved an electron temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius ...

3D Printing Audio available

US nuclear carriers to get first 3D-printed part

David Szondy October 14, 2018

Additive manufacturing is taking to the seas with the first 3D-printed part being cleared for installation aboard a US Navy nuclear aircraft carrier. The prototype piping assembly will be installed on the USS Harry S. Truman in 2019, where it will be subjected to 12 months of operational testing.

The 3D-printed valve will be installed on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Energy

Chernobyl fires back up as a solar power plant

Michael Irving October 7, 2018

More than 30 years after the worst nuclear disaster in history, the Chernobyl area is once again producing power. From the (somewhat literal) ashes of the Nuclear Power Plant springs the Chernobyl Solar Power Plant, which was officially launched with an opening ceremony on Friday.

The Chernobyl Solar Power Plant, located on the site of the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster, has ...

Energy

MIT study sees nuclear power as integral to a low-carbon future

David Szondy September 5, 2018

According to a new MIT study, achieving a low-carbon-emission future at a reasonable cost and minimal social impact requires a mix of power sources, with nuclear power as a major component. Otherwise a radically low-carbon economy would cost two to four times as much to achieve.

A newly release MIT study looks at the role nuclear power could play in a low-carbon ...

Space

Mars 2020 rover goes nuclear with delivery of new electrical generator

David Szondy August 7, 2018

NASA's Mars 2020 rover has received its nuclear power plant. The Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) unit will provide the robotic spacecraft with 125 W of electricity to operate the drive motors and power the onboard systems.