The only problem, Jeff is that once Pluto's atmosphere freezes out, it will be hundreds of years before we can do the science now. I'm only afraid it might be too late already. I think we made a serious mistake not funding this 10 years ago.

With regard to space nuclear reactors, we aren't starting from nothing. Both the US and the Soviets have launched fission reactors. The Soviet Topaz being the most successful. Granted we haven't built one with the requisite power but even so, a lot of work has already been done. I don't see it as quite as risky as the article implies. I don't see anything keeping us from flying prototypes within five years.

What urks me is seeing two urgently needed programs being played off against each other. They both seem to satisfy O'Keif's "so what" criterion. Aren't there less urgent programs that could be delayed?

Dave M