?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive. Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and installation.

Of course, these are Shipstones. Heinlein fans will recognize the term.

I wonder if these will be downsized enough so that I can buy a 20 kW
unit for $100,000 for my home.

Hat tip to:
https://thelibertydaily.com/

Lynn


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028, probably not until much later,
if at all.

"Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army. Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

"While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

"This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge,
Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/microreactor-pilot-reaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy. It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses. He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and >installation.

10 times that is more likely. Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about. While LEU doesn't have the proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/24/2025 4:32 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028, probably not until much later,
if at all.

"Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army. Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

"While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

"This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge,
Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/microreactor-pilot-reaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy. It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses. He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and
installation.

10 times that is more likely. Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about. While LEU doesn't have the proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Helium is not in short supply. I can buy cans of it at many stores for blowing up balloons.

Lynn


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Oct 24, 2025, Lynn McGuire wrote
(in article <10dgptd$2sfkb$1@dont-email.me>):

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases-b
y-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

Oh, really? Gee... I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is... I wonder what happens when He-4 gets hit with a proton. Or a neutron. Or even an election (a.k.a. a beta particle). There isn?t a lot of He-3 on Earth, but you
REALLY want to keep protons and neutrons away.

Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and installation.

I?m guessing at least five times that.

Of course, these are Shipstones. Heinlein fans will recognize the term.

I wonder if these will be downsized enough so that I can buy a 20 kW
unit for $100,000 for my home.

not going to happen. Long before economies of scale could kick in the no-nuke-kooks would shut the project down.

Hat tip to:
https://thelibertydaily.com/

Lynn

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Oct 24, 2025, Scott Lurndal wrote
(in article <sfSKQ.1200021$Jgh9.154348@fx15.iad>):

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases
-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028, probably not until much later,
if at all.

"Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army. Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

"While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

"This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge,
Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/microreactor-pilot-rea
ches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy. It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.

this is a MAJOR problem.

He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

another one.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-worrying-
the-world

Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and installation.

10 times that is more likely. Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about.

the no-nuke-kooks vastly exaggerate this. The main danger from reactor-grade uranium/plutonium is that they?re heavt metals and therefore extremely
toxic, and they also burn real good once you ignite them. Reactor-grade kicks mostly alphas. Alphas get stopped by a sheet of cardboard. You do want to
keep heavy metals away from ground water.

While LEU doesn't have the
proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Oct 24, 2025, Lynn McGuire wrote
(in article <10dgsu4$2t6er$1@dont-email.me>):

On 10/24/2025 4:32 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-base
s-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028, probably not until much later,
if at all.

"Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army. Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

"While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

"This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge, Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/microreactor-pilot-r
eaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy. It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses. He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-worryin
g-the-world

Uses
5% U-235. I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and installation.

10 times that is more likely. Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about. While LEU doesn't have the proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Nope.

Helium is not in short supply.

Actually, it is.

I can buy cans of it at many stores for
blowing up balloons.

Ah... there?s a diff between small cans and tons of the stuff. This project would require tons of He-4.

Lynn

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/24/2025 6:00 PM, Lynn McGuire wrote:

On 10/24/2025 4:32 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-
its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now.ÿ The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028,ÿ probably not until much later,
if at all.

ÿÿ "Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
ÿÿÿ Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
ÿÿÿ Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
ÿÿÿ of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
ÿÿÿ nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
ÿÿÿ than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army.ÿ Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

ÿÿ "While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
ÿÿÿ do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

ÿÿ "This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
ÿÿÿ and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge,
ÿÿÿ Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

ÿÿ https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/
microreactor-pilot-reaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each.ÿ Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck.ÿ Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy.ÿ It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.ÿ He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-
worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235.ÿ I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and
installation.

10 times that is more likely.ÿ Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about.ÿ While LEU doesn't have the
proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Helium is not in short supply.ÿ I can buy cans of it at many stores for blowing up balloons.

The price has tripled since 2018.

pt

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/24/2025 10:06 PM, Cryptoengineer wrote:

On 10/24/2025 6:00 PM, Lynn McGuire wrote:

On 10/24/2025 4:32 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-
its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now.ÿ The demo unit comes online in 2026 in
Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028,ÿ probably not until much later,
if at all.

ÿÿ "Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
ÿÿÿ Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
ÿÿÿ Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
ÿÿÿ of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
ÿÿÿ nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
ÿÿÿ than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army.ÿ Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

ÿÿ "While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
ÿÿÿ do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

ÿÿ "This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost, >>> ÿÿÿ and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat
edge,
ÿÿÿ Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

ÿÿ https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/
microreactor-pilot-reaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each.ÿ Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck.ÿ Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy.ÿ It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.ÿ He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-
worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235.ÿ I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and
installation.

10 times that is more likely.ÿ Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about.ÿ While LEU doesn't have the
proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Helium is not in short supply.ÿ I can buy cans of it at many stores
for blowing up balloons.

The price has tripled since 2018.

pt

Everything in the USA has doubled or tripled since 2018.

Lynn


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> schrieb:

I wonder if these will be downsized enough so that I can buy a 20 kW
unit for $100,000 for my home.

That is not really economical, you need critical mass. Or, to
phrase it in advertising language, "Laws of Physics might apply".

--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of radioactivity.


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of radioactivity.

Why does it have to be bloody, though?
--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/25/2025 4:48 AM, Thomas Koenig wrote:

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of radioactivity.

Why does it have to be bloody, though?

Because it makes you bleed internally?

--
I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
dirty old man.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

On 10/24/2025 10:06 PM, Cryptoengineer wrote:

On 10/24/2025 6:00 PM, Lynn McGuire wrote:

1.2 MW each.ÿ Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck.ÿ Uses >>>>> helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy.ÿ It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.ÿ He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are- >>>> worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235.ÿ I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery and >>>>> installation.

10 times that is more likely.ÿ Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about.ÿ While LEU doesn't have the
proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Helium is not in short supply.ÿ I can buy cans of it at many stores
for blowing up balloons.

The price has tripled since 2018.

pt

Everything in the USA has doubled or tripled since 2018.

Nonsense.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/25/25 08:31, Dimensional Traveler wrote:

On 10/25/2025 4:48 AM, Thomas Koenig wrote:

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of
radioactivity.

Why does it have to be bloody, though?

Because it makes you bleed internally?

Only if you ingest it. Alpha particles being big and heavy as such things
go are stopped by intact skin. Likely have to ingest it by hypodermic
for it
to get in the blood stream.
I doubt it is the most common form of radioactivity since the Sun continues to shine. Cosmic and Gamma rays come in from outer space.
Beta particles which are electrons are all over the place and neutrons
are the particles that initiate nuclear fisssion and are also released
in great quanities by fission reactions along with all the other elementary particles. Gamma rays are very high energy photons like X-rays.
All of these can mess up the DNA if they get close to it.
But try to avoid that.
If you want to know what simple fission bombs can do read the
graphic novel Barefoot Gen aka Gen of Hiroshima by a survivor or the
bombing, who was in grade school when the bomb went off and he
was largely sheilded by a stone wall but lost his hair. A teacher
standing at the gate in the wall was apparently vaporized. This
is a hard book to read even in graphic form but it is black and white
so no red blood shown.
The bomb at Hiroshima actually did not release the full energy
of the fissionable material as it was a primitive design.
If you prefer simple written material a good place to start is
"Last Train From Hiroshima" and that train went to Nagasaki and the
traveler arrived a bit after that bomb. That bomb was not on target
and took out more of the residential than the military area.
The fire bombing of major cities took out more people than
the bombs I believe but if the Japanese Imperial authorities had
been paying attention they would have quit earlier.

bliss all that stuff happened around my 8th birthday.


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:17:19 -0500, Lynn McGuire
<lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> wrote:

On 10/24/2025 10:06 PM, Cryptoengineer wrote:

On 10/24/2025 6:00 PM, Lynn McGuire wrote:

On 10/24/2025 4:32 PM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-

its-bases-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on

local

power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now.? The demo unit comes online in 2026 in

Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028,? probably not until much later,
if at all.

?? "Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
??? Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear

Reactor

??? Technologies for National Security,' which directs the

Department

??? of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an

Army-regulated

??? nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no

later

??? than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army.? Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

?? "While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
??? do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical

application.'"

?? "This is largely because tactical reactor development drives

up cost,

??? and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the

combat

edge,
??? Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB

since

2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

?? https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/
microreactor-pilot-reaches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each.? Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck.?

Uses

helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy.? It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.? He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250331-why-helium-shortages-are-

worrying-the-world

Uses
5% U-235.? I am guessing a cost of $25 million each plus delivery

and

installation.

10 times that is more likely.? Then there are waste storage and
disposal issues to be concerned about.? While LEU doesn't have the
proliferation dangers that HEU does, the waste is still deadly.

Your TDS is showing.

Helium is not in short supply.? I can buy cans of it at many stores

for blowing up balloons.

The price has tripled since 2018.

pt

Everything in the USA has doubled or tripled since 2018.

No.

There has been some increase, but my periodic grocery shopping
expeditions (on which I pretty much buy the same things each and every
time) have gone from around $35 to around $40.

Of course, I don't buy fresh eggs, which were notorious for high
prices as recently as last year. But that was caused by massive
killoffs of chickens to control bird flu, in accordance with the Law
of Supply and Demand.

Note that I have no idea what the price of Helium has been doing.
--
"Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:09:27 -0400, WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com>
wrote:

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through
a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of

radioactivity.

You know, when your post above finally appeared in Agent, I knew
immediately what you were asking.

I'm amazed nobody else figured it out.

I'm not sure they have figured it out yet, either.
--
"Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/24/2025 5:34 PM, WolfFan wrote:

On Oct 24, 2025, Scott Lurndal wrote
(in article <sfSKQ.1200021$Jgh9.154348@fx15.iad>):

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> writes:

?Army To Bring Nuclear Microreactors To Its Bases By 2028?

https://www.twz.com/nuclear/army-to-bring-nuclear-microreactors-to-its-bases
-by-2028

?The Army is highly concerned about its near total reliance on local
power grids to energize its most critical installations.?

Um, that is Real Soon Now. The demo unit comes online in 2026 in Idaho.

Highly unlikely to happen by 2028, probably not until much later,
if at all.

"Janus is the Army's plan to realize President Orange Clown's
Executive Order 14299, titled 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
Technologies for National Security,' which directs the Department
of War[sic. Defense] to commence operation of an Army-regulated
nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation no later
than September 30, 2028."

All they need to do to satisfy this requirement is to transfer
control of one of the test reactors in Utah to the Army. Indeed,
the plan you are touting is for reactors at domestic bases only.

"While Pele is developmentally interesting, Waksman said, 'We
do not at this time see nuclear power as a tactical application.'"

"This is largely because tactical reactor development drives up cost,
and there is currently no need for megawatt power at the combat edge,
Waksman explained."

The air force has been working on a micro reactor at Eilson AFB since
2021, but haven't yet issued a contract to actually build it.

https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Display/Article/4213214/microreactor-pilot-rea
ches-major-project-milestone/

1.2 MW each. Can be delivered on a skid by airplane or truck. Uses
helium for the primary coolant which does not become radioactive.

The He needs to be cooled, which costs energy. It also requires
specialized (read expensive) piping to prevent losses.

this is a MAJOR problem.

He is
actually rather scarce at the moment.

I'll be sure to tell the cryogenic helium separation plants in Kansas
that they need special piping. You know, the helium production plants
that have been running for over a hundred years.

Somewhere, I used to have a wheel out of a liquid helium expander that
ran at 180,000 rpm for a few years before it failed. The blades were
only a half inch tall or so.

BTW, the cooling for the helium rector coolant will be a CO2
vaporization system that will feed the turbine expander coupled to the
power generator. This is not new technology, we have used it for many decades.

Lynn


--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:27:39 -0400, WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com>
wrote:

Oh, really? Gee... I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is... I wonder what >happens when He-4 gets hit with a proton. Or a neutron. Or even an election >(a.k.a. a beta particle). There isn?t a lot of He-3 on Earth, but you
REALLY want to keep protons and neutrons away.

I remember reading some time about 20-30 years ago that there was
believed to be far more He-3 on the Moon than on earth. Did they ever
find out if that was true and if so how?

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> wrote:

Helium is not in short supply. I can buy cans of it at many stores for >blowing up balloons.

Although the shortage is not as bad as it was five or six years ago
before the US started selling off the helium reserves, the prices are
still high and most companies will sell only a limited amount at a time.
Really annoying for people who do weather balloons.

BUT... there is a solution, and it's nuclear power since it's a decay
product of uranium and thorium.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Bobbie Sellers <bliss-sf4ever@dslextreme.com> schrieb:

On 10/25/25 08:31, Dimensional Traveler wrote:

On 10/25/2025 4:48 AM, Thomas Koenig wrote:

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

On Oct 25, 2025, Thomas Koenig wrote
(in article <10dhvus$35i3g$3@dont-email.me>):

WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com> schrieb:

I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is...

A nucleus consisting of two protons an two neutrons, passing through >>>>> a blood stream at high energy. Generally not considered healthy.

Also known as He-4 nucleus. Alphas are the most common form of
radioactivity.

Why does it have to be bloody, though?

Because it makes you bleed internally?

Only if you ingest it.

Alphay rays do no make you bleed (and yes, their range is so low
that you have to be in contact with it, or actually ingest it).

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Scott Dorsey <kludge@panix.com> schrieb:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> wrote:

Helium is not in short supply. I can buy cans of it at many stores for >>blowing up balloons.

Although the shortage is not as bad as it was five or six years ago
before the US started selling off the helium reserves, the prices are
still high and most companies will sell only a limited amount at a time. Really annoying for people who do weather balloons.

BUT... there is a solution, and it's nuclear power since it's a decay
product of uranium and thorium.

Production of helium is around 30000 tons a year. The amount you could
get from nuclear power is _far_ less. Do the math (and don't forget to
put in the molar mass of He and U, respectively). Hint: It's not
enough.

It would also be an interesting problem to retrofit nuclear power plants
for He collection...
--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

In article <kvsqfktjcequ67bp0d1kuhdjf7tg1l9iet@4ax.com>,
The Horny Goat <lcraver@home.ca> wrote:

On Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:27:39 -0400, WolfFan <akwolffan@zoho.com>
wrote:

Oh, really? Gee... I wonder what a bloody alpha particle is... I wonder what >>happens when He-4 gets hit with a proton. Or a neutron. Or even an election >>(a.k.a. a beta particle). There isn?t a lot of He-3 on Earth, but you >>REALLY want to keep protons and neutrons away.

I remember reading some time about 20-30 years ago that there was
believed to be far more He-3 on the Moon than on earth. Did they ever
find out if that was true and if so how?

Pretty much every aspect of the proposal does not stand up to close examination: as an ore for he-3, regolith is terrible, like sifting
topsoil for gold. We don't have fusion reactors. If we did, they'd
use D+T. If we could burn he-3, it wouldn't deliver the benefits
asserted. It would cheaper to make he-3 on Earth.


--
My reviews can be found at http://jamesdavisnicoll.com/
My tor pieces at https://www.tor.com/author/james-davis-nicoll/
My Dreamwidth at https://james-davis-nicoll.dreamwidth.org/
My patreon is at https://www.patreon.com/jamesdnicoll

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/24/2025 6:34 PM, WolfFan wrote:

the no-nuke-kooks vastly exaggerate this. The main danger from reactor-grade uranium/plutonium is that they?re heavy metals and therefore extremely
toxic, and they also burn real good once you ignite them. Reactor-grade kicks mostly alphas. Alphas get stopped by a sheet of cardboard. You do want to keep heavy metals away from ground water.

That's a dangerous simplification.

In 1962, the United States successfully detonated a low yield (< 20kt)
nuke built with reactor grade plutonium. Fission products comprise
about 5% of the waste, which generate enough heat to require the waste
to be stored in pools for 5-8 years and posing a significant radiation
hazard for decades after that. During that time, not only does the
waste have to be guarded against leakage, but also against theft for use
in a radiological weapon.

Thorium cycle reactors have different issues with waste, depending on
whether the reactor in question is a closed cycle or open cycle design.
All thorium reactors to date have incorporated either U-235 or plutonium
in their fuel mix.

--
Mike Benveniste -- mhb@murkyether.com (Clarification Required)
Such commentary has become ubiquitous on the Internet and is widely
perceived to carry no indicium of reliability and little weight.
(Digital Media News v. Escape Media Group, May 2014).

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Michael Benveniste <mhb@murkyether.com> schrieb:

On 10/24/2025 6:34 PM, WolfFan wrote:

the no-nuke-kooks vastly exaggerate this. The main danger from reactor-grade >> uranium/plutonium is that they?re heavy metals and therefore extremely
toxic, and they also burn real good once you ignite them. Reactor-grade kicks
mostly alphas. Alphas get stopped by a sheet of cardboard. You do want to
keep heavy metals away from ground water.

That's a dangerous simplification.

In 1962, the United States successfully detonated a low yield (< 20kt)
nuke built with reactor grade plutonium.

Source?
--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Thomas Koenig <tkoenig@netcologne.de> wrote:

Production of helium is around 30000 tons a year. The amount you could
get from nuclear power is _far_ less. Do the math (and don't forget to
put in the molar mass of He and U, respectively). Hint: It's not
enough.

Yes, given cureent use.

It would also be an interesting problem to retrofit nuclear power plants
for He collection...

THAT is where it would start to get interesting, yes. Use every part of
the pig!
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Thomas Koenig wrote:

Scott Dorsey <kludge@panix.com> schrieb:

Lynn McGuire <lynnmcguire5@gmail.com> wrote:

Helium is not in short supply. I can buy cans of it at many stores for
blowing up balloons.

Although the shortage is not as bad as it was five or six years ago
before the US started selling off the helium reserves, the prices are
still high and most companies will sell only a limited amount at a time.
Really annoying for people who do weather balloons.

BUT... there is a solution, and it's nuclear power since it's a decay
product of uranium and thorium.

Production of helium is around 30000 tons a year. The amount you could
get from nuclear power is _far_ less. Do the math (and don't forget to
put in the molar mass of He and U, respectively). Hint: It's not
enough.

It would also be an interesting problem to retrofit nuclear power plants
for He collection...

All you need are scrubbers lined with a chemical that strongly binds to
Helium and ....

Perhaps caviar will do. Helium is a noble gas, after all.

William Hyde

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/26/2025 12:28 PM, Scott Dorsey wrote:

Thomas Koenig <tkoenig@netcologne.de> wrote:

Production of helium is around 30000 tons a year. The amount you could
get from nuclear power is _far_ less. Do the math (and don't forget to
put in the molar mass of He and U, respectively). Hint: It's not
enough.

Yes, given cureent use.

It would also be an interesting problem to retrofit nuclear power plants
for He collection...

THAT is where it would start to get interesting, yes. Use every part of
the pig!
--scott

*squeal*!

--
I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
dirty old man.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 10/26/2025 10:25 AM, Thomas Koenig wrote:

Michael Benveniste <mhb@murkyether.com> schrieb:

On 10/24/2025 6:34 PM, WolfFan wrote:

the no-nuke-kooks vastly exaggerate this. The main danger from reactor-grade
uranium/plutonium is that they?re heavy metals and therefore extremely
toxic, and they also burn real good once you ignite them. Reactor-grade kicks
mostly alphas. Alphas get stopped by a sheet of cardboard. You do want to >>> keep heavy metals away from ground water.

That's a dangerous simplification.

In 1962, the United States successfully detonated a low yield (< 20kt)
nuke built with reactor grade plutonium.

Source?

https://www.osti.gov/opennet/forms?formurl=document/press/pc29.html

--
Mike Benveniste -- mhb@murkyether.com (Clarification Required)
Such commentary has become ubiquitous on the Internet and is widely
perceived to carry no indicium of reliability and little weight.
(Digital Media News v. Escape Media Group, May 2014).

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

Michael Benveniste <mhb@murkyether.com> schrieb:

On 10/26/2025 10:25 AM, Thomas Koenig wrote:

Michael Benveniste <mhb@murkyether.com> schrieb:

On 10/24/2025 6:34 PM, WolfFan wrote:

the no-nuke-kooks vastly exaggerate this. The main danger from reactor-grade
uranium/plutonium is that they?re heavy metals and therefore extremely >>>> toxic, and they also burn real good once you ignite them. Reactor-grade kicks
mostly alphas. Alphas get stopped by a sheet of cardboard. You do want to >>>> keep heavy metals away from ground water.

That's a dangerous simplification.

In 1962, the United States successfully detonated a low yield (< 20kt)
nuke built with reactor grade plutonium.

Source?

https://www.osti.gov/opennet/forms?formurl=document/press/pc29.html

Thanks, interesting. Problem appears to be the presence of Pu-240,
which can cause the nuclear explosive to fizzle out (complicating
yield predictions) and has a significantly shorter half-life then
Pu-239.

But they didn't say what amount of Pu-240 they had, and for a good
reason :-)
--
This USENET posting was made without artificial intelligence,
artificial impertinence, artificial arrogance, artificial stupidity,
artificial flavorings or artificial colorants.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)