BBC Inside Science The first civilian spacewalk
Oct 10, 2024
In this discussion, Jonathan Amos, BBC science correspondent, sheds light on the groundbreaking first civilian spacewalk by Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis. Is it history or a billionaire’s joyride? Claire Corkill tackles nuclear waste management challenges at Sellafield, emphasizing urgent need for safe storage solutions. Ellie Carpenter introduces the concept of nuclear semiotics, exploring how to warn future generations about nuclear dangers. It's a riveting dive into space exploration and the complexities of radioactive waste management!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sellafield's Storage Crisis
- Sellafield in Cumbria, Europe's most radioactive site, is nearing capacity.
- The UK seeks a permanent underground storage solution for its nuclear waste.
Nuclear Waste Hazards
- Spent nuclear fuel, mostly uranium and plutonium, is highly hazardous due to unstable fission products.
- These products emit high-energy radiation, posing risks to human DNA.
Glass as Nuclear Storage
- Incorporate radioactive elements into glass to create stable, long-term storage solutions.
- This method locks the elements within the glass structure, similar to color-imparting elements in beer bottles.