Iridium Constellation. Note how the orbits cross each other near the poles Iridium and Cosmos Satellites Collide! Some of us have been warning about a catastrophic chain reaction of space collisions that could render near Earth orbits unusable for tens or hundreds of years. Unfortunately, it is very likely that we are going to see …
Is the Safir 2 or 3 Stages?
by | 2009-02-11 | 47 Comments
I keep meaning to write something about US nuclear posture soon, but the day-job is all consuming right now. In the meantime, I want to point out the fascinating debate begun by Geoff Forden on whether the Safir, Iran’s new space launch vehicle, has two-stages — as Iran claims — or uses a small third …
Miss Atom 2009
by | 2009-02-10 | 9 Comments
It’s February so it’s time for the Wonk’s perennial favourite… Miss Atom: the beauty contest for workers in the Russian nuclear industry. For those of you who are new readers: check out the 2008 and 2007 posts for the backstory.
Nuclear Stimulus
by | 2009-02-09 | 10 Comments
The Senate, in its attempt to slim down the stimulus bill, has apparently managed to squeeze in a little bit for nukes. A billion dollars, in fact. In various Senate version of the Bill, including on page 78 of what I believe is the most recent version, the Collins/Nelson* Bill, the following appears: ATOMIC ENERGY …
