Letter: Worry about plutonium on Earth before you worry about it in space
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Plutonium is the most toxic substance known to man. It has few uses other than for nuclear weapons and satellite power units. It has a half-life in the millions of years. That means it must be stored securely for some multiple of that time without leaking or falling into dangerous hands. Recent events at Sellafield have shown that there is no consensus on the safe Earth-bound disposal of highly toxic and fissile substances. Blasting Plutonium into space, beyond harm, with the benefit of expanding our knowledge and sense of wonder at the universe seems, therefore, a positively sound proposition.
Julian Gold
jilg@premier.co.uk(jilg)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments