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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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NN Asks: What’s needed to get space nuclear off the ground?
Kate Kelly
For decades, the thrill of space exploration has ignited the imaginations of engineers, scientists, and innovators alike. The dream of expanding humanity’s reach beyond Earth continues to attract the brightest minds, fueling groundbreaking advancements. As we set our sights on missions that venture farther and last longer in the cosmos, one truth stands out: Nuclear technology is the key to unlocking these bold ambitions. Its impact goes far beyond any single mission, driving a surge of momentum that not only propels space exploration but also energizes the entire nuclear ecosystem—sparking innovation and growth in an era of unprecedented opportunity.
Plenary Session
Tuesday, September 10, 2024|9:00–10:00AM EDT|Colonial Ballroom
Session Chair:
Dawn Montgomery
Speaker Click on the photo to view the speaker's bio
Cameron Tracy(CISAC), Stanford University
Cameron Tracy will introduce the Environmental Chemistry sessions with a discussion of "The Sociotechnical Challenges of the Geologic Disposition of Weapons Plutonium." Permanent disposal of weapons plutonium in a geologic repository could reduce global nuclear risk, but burying plutonium—and ensuring that it stays buried—is a major technical and political challenge. This talk will outline obstacles to disposal, progress to date, and potential paths forward.
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The Sociotechnical Challenges of the Geologic Disposition of Weapons Plutonium
Cameron Tracy (Stanford Univ.)
Paper
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