Post by mg on Jan 20, 2016 6:01:25 GMT
I think we may need forward plot progress before more nuclear reactor research becomes relevant. To quote from the "Lore" tab:
"I now understand why nuclear research stopped. I do not understand why Glaucus has never undertaken any research on nuclear energy. I can’t even find reference to any projects to clean up residual radiation in the environment, yet it is almost common knowledge that one of Minerva’s first missions was to clean the air and water around the base of radioactive particles to permit farming. Instead, I find a suspicious absence of any entry mentioning nuclear energy. Interesting. I shall have to investigate this further."
The obvious explanation is that Glaucus is already aware of safe nuclear power options, but deliberately avoids keeping any record of it. If I had to choose someone to ask about top-secret research, Thalia Gordon would be first on my list. Jane would be second, because she's already suspicious of Commander Kubek's tight security and it would be easy to manipulate her into espionage.
Regardless of politics and secrets, the reactor is relatively simple. It requires nuclear waste, which is abundant, and thorium, which is "abundant". Because few current reactors depend on this, there has been no large effort to find deposits of thorium. It's common in small amounts, but difficult to extract unless concentrated. The best source of thorium is probably the southeastern coast of India, but there may be closer sources in Russia. Current demand is satisfied because thorium is a byproduct of rare-earth metal extraction from monazite sand, which is also a viable source of helium and other valuable elements.
Glaucus may have their own motives for avoiding the topic of nuclear power, despite the fact Minervan territory is rich in radioactive minerals. Therefore, the most stealthy solution is to support increased mining efforts. The advanced technology used to keep Minerva secure requires rare-earth elements for sensitive electronics. Because Minerva is under attack recently, locating many potential sources is a wise use of time and money. Mine production may need to be increased to replace destroyed equipment.
"I now understand why nuclear research stopped. I do not understand why Glaucus has never undertaken any research on nuclear energy. I can’t even find reference to any projects to clean up residual radiation in the environment, yet it is almost common knowledge that one of Minerva’s first missions was to clean the air and water around the base of radioactive particles to permit farming. Instead, I find a suspicious absence of any entry mentioning nuclear energy. Interesting. I shall have to investigate this further."
The obvious explanation is that Glaucus is already aware of safe nuclear power options, but deliberately avoids keeping any record of it. If I had to choose someone to ask about top-secret research, Thalia Gordon would be first on my list. Jane would be second, because she's already suspicious of Commander Kubek's tight security and it would be easy to manipulate her into espionage.
Regardless of politics and secrets, the reactor is relatively simple. It requires nuclear waste, which is abundant, and thorium, which is "abundant". Because few current reactors depend on this, there has been no large effort to find deposits of thorium. It's common in small amounts, but difficult to extract unless concentrated. The best source of thorium is probably the southeastern coast of India, but there may be closer sources in Russia. Current demand is satisfied because thorium is a byproduct of rare-earth metal extraction from monazite sand, which is also a viable source of helium and other valuable elements.
Glaucus may have their own motives for avoiding the topic of nuclear power, despite the fact Minervan territory is rich in radioactive minerals. Therefore, the most stealthy solution is to support increased mining efforts. The advanced technology used to keep Minerva secure requires rare-earth elements for sensitive electronics. Because Minerva is under attack recently, locating many potential sources is a wise use of time and money. Mine production may need to be increased to replace destroyed equipment.
