Nuclearpowered
Nuclear-powered refers to devices or systems that obtain usable energy from nuclear reactions. Most commonly this means energy produced by a nuclear reactor, where controlled fission of heavy nuclei such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 releases heat that is converted to electricity or used for propulsion. The term can also describe systems driven by other nuclear processes, such as radioactive decay in thermoelectric generators, although those devices are typically described as radioisotope power sources rather than “nuclear-powered” in everyday language.
- Naval propulsion: Nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers use compact reactors, often pressurized water reactors, to provide
- Civilian power generation: Nuclear power plants use reactors to produce electricity with low operational greenhouse gas
- Space exploration: Some spacecraft rely on nuclear sources. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators provide steady power for long-duration
Safety, regulation, and public policy: Nuclear-powered systems raise safety, environmental, nonproliferation, and waste-management concerns. Accidents, radiological
Advantages and challenges: The primary advantage is high energy density and long operational life; challenges include