Kilopower could keep the lights on for Mars explorers for 10 years. But what happens when the reactor is spent?

We now have a working nuclear reactor for other planets

Off World

NASA's Kilopower nuclear reactor just aced a series of tests showing it can be safely used on space missions. Yet its unclear what will happen to its waste.

We Now Have A Working Nuclear Reactor for Other Planets — But No Plan For Its Waste

The thing works, but NASA doesn't know what to do with its spent fuel. 

We Now Have A Working Nuclear Reactor for Other Planets

We asked experts whether Elon Musk can really send a Roadster to space

We asked experts about the legal, technical, and extraterrestrial issues concerning Musk's planned Roadster launch — and what might happen if it fails.

We Asked Experts Whether Elon Musk Can Really Send a Roadster to Space

Here's what they think.

Is this move just a cosmic distraction from the scandal swirling around the president?

Trump just signed a directive to send US astronauts to the moon

Trump Just Signed a Directive to Send US Astronauts to the Moon and beyond to Mars. Read more to understand how he plans on doing it.

Trump Just Signed a Directive to Send US Astronauts to the Moon

But it's still unclear exactly how they'll get there. 

The lander will record earthquakes and gather information about the planet's core.

NASA's InSight Mars lander will be the first to examine Mars' interior, boosting our knowledge of how the planet formed and how it could support colonists.

NASA’s InSight Mars Lander to Investigate Inside the Red Planet

The mission will give insight into how rocky planets form, and potentially help future colonists live on Mars.

NASA admitted today that under the current budget they cannot afford to get humans to Mars. NASA's next steps will depend on its funding, but now more than ever, the future of Mars colonization rests in the hands of commercial space companies.

NASA Just Announced They Can’t Afford to Get Humans to Mars

Fortunately for our Red Planet dreams, it isn't just up to NASA.

Speaking at the Starmus Festival in Trondheim, he spoke about the importance of a lunar mission as a stepping stone for getting us to Mars and beyond.

Stephen Hawking: “I Am Convinced That Humans Need to Leave Earth”

Hawking suggests we should start looking at real estate elsewhere in the universe — but first, we have to go back to the moon.

How much risk are we facing as we get closer to actually reaching and exploring the Red Planet?

What Are the Real Implications of Exploring Mars?

NASA is put in an ethical quandary when it comes to pushing mankind where it has never gone before.

The First People to Colonize the Solar System Will Risk Deadly, Cosmic Radiation

NASA has to make a difficult choice in the coming months.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is planning on going to Mars. NASA estimates that the cost will only be around $300 million.

NASA Estimates SpaceX 2018 Mars Mission Will Cost Only $300 Million

Not a such a bad price tag to go to Mars.

A joint statement by the ESA and Roscosmos has announced the delay of the second phase of the European-Russian ExoMars mission from 2018 to 2020—likely a reflection of the technical difficulties in meeting the planned mission requirements.

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