this post was submitted on 05 Aug 2025
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Isn't it illegal to transport fissile material into space?
Illegal may be the incorrect way to say it
There are international treaties agreeing that countries will not do that
Voyager 1 used Nuclear power I believe
*used. it is still going. :)
\m/ \m/
You are correct Voyager is metal
I was a small child when it launched. Also, say the invention of heavy metal. Looks like both will outlast me.
You can't kill the metal! - Tenacious D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOUcIsvymOY&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD
Many space probes and landers/rovers used RTGs. The treaty doesnt forbid nuclear fuel in space, only weapons of mass destruction.
Pretty much every inter planetary satellite has a reactor for power. Not all reactive material is considered fissile.
This is changing as solar panels get lighter and more efficient. Galileo studied Jupiter in the 90s and was powered by an RTG, but Juno and Europa Clipper are both using solar panels to study the same body.
DJT: I am the law.