[Bilbo Baggins]

The Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, based in Gainesville, Florida, claimed such engines pose a risk both during launch and in space.

Maybe someone should tell him that the sun is a *HUGE* nuclear power generator in space, and we don't seem to be dead yet.

Launch is another issue.

[Support Free Republic]

Are we there yet?

[Dallas59]

Heh....A few hundred environmentalists just had major coronaries after reading that story.

[Brett66]

I guess it's standard journalism practice to provide a counterpoint? Why do they think they need the opinions of an extremist like Gagnon? Pathetic.

[MetalMan]

I'm interested in how this could possibly work. Nuclear powered engines still need some sort of propellant. Nuclear reactors on our boats use steam to turn the props, which gives it thrust... but in the void of space there isn't any water or enough gas for this method to work.

I think it would be interesting to see what they come up with.

[demlosers]

The Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, based in Gainesville, Florida, claimed such engines pose a risk both during launch and in space.

"It increases the chance of an accident from Florida or elsewhere," coordinator Bruce Gagnon said.

The press loves to quote these minuscule bozos who oppose nukes. How come I always get this mental image of two leftist morons who live out of a garage with 1 sporting a Darth Vader suit.

[vpintheak]

You just know all the nut-bags are going to protest this in full force. Therefore any rat in congress, will be dead set against it, the hell with progress.

[DarthMaulrulesok]

Well, if we are going to make the environmentalists, no nukes crowd, peaceniks, etc upset ANYWAY, we might as well go the whole hog and make them REALLY UPSET.

So, let's take advantage of our new ion propulsion and start mass production of TIE fighters.

BWA HA HA HA