Nuclear Startups

Now even private companies are getting in on the nuclear propulsion act (or, rather, would like to get in on it): NSL firm plans space-based tug boat

Each Iostar will employ an “ion” propulsion system. It will be nuclear powered. While this presents the company with some regulatory hoops to jump through, nuclear-powered spacecraft are not unheard of. Neither is ion propulsion. NASA has already launched an ion-propelled craft on a deep-space system. Together nuclear power and ion propulsion represent the only long-term solution for fueling Iostar through its multi-year missions.

Hm. If you’re wondering what happens to these orbiting reactors at the end of their service lives (anticipatorily hearing the squeals of complaint from the usual suspects):

While Iostar may help bring back other vehicles from space, it is unlikely it will ever return to earth. After three to five years of primary service and, perhaps, 15 years of secondary service, possibly providing power to the space station, it will be sent into what Burks referred to as a ?thousand year orbit,? or meet a fiery end in the sun.