newVideoPlayer( {"type":"video","player":"http://www.youtube.com/v/U5VfYDYL3rA&hl=en&fs=1&hd=1","customParams":[] ,"width":500,"height":332.5,"ratio":0.615,"flashData":"","embedName":null,"objectId":null,"noEmbed":false,"source":"youtube","wrap":true,"agegate":false} );In November, the Cassini probe got very, very close to Hyperion, one of Saturns many moons. These 61 frames comprise a fly-by movie of the moon. Defrost the thing and add some sour cream and it’s good enough to eat!
I have to admit, I’m finally starting to believe that Hyperion Power’s plans to install nuclear reactors in the backyards of America’s neighbourhoods is actually going to happen. In fact, after learning that they have already begun construction on the first 4,000 units I have no doubt that they will make their 2013 deadline as well. If you were wondering how much these “affordable” reactors would cost, Hyperion has put a $US25 million price tag on each unit—which breaks down to about $US2500 per household on a 10,000 home grid and it can run for five years without maintenance.
About the size of a hot tub, this portable nuclear reactor in development by Hyperion Power Generation could be buried in a small cement casing within the ground and provide maintenance-free power to 25,000 homes for 5-years.
An internal chemical reaction produced 27 megawatts of thermal energy powering an external steam turbine to produce electricity. A sort of nuclear battery, we’re not sure if it could, should or will ever come to fruition. But it’s certainly a neat idea…and the perfect accessory to take our summer grilling “to the next level.” [hyperion via sfreporter]
