Scientists successfully test new nuclear reactor in Nevada

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Scientists have successfully tested a new nuclear reactor in Nevada that could power future trips to outer space. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports NASA and the Department of Energy on Wednesday announced the Kilopower fission reactor performed better than expected during a 28-hour, full-power test completed last month inside a vacuum chamber at the Nevada National Security Site. The test in March marked the end of five months of work on the "space-qualified nuclear reactor" at the site, about 85 miles northwest of Las Vegas, The goal of the project is to develop a safe, compact and reliable source of electricity for future manned and unmanned missions to the moon, Mars and other places beyond the Earth's orbit.