Why can't nuclear waste be transported and disposed of in space?

Question

Why can't nuclear waste be transported and disposed of in space?

Answer 1

You could, but that's probably not as safe as just finding a geologically stable, deep, dry cave here on earth.

Also, we haven't perfected the art of spacelift yet.  Things still blow up from time to time.

Answer 2

It costs between $5,000 to 10,000 per pound to send something into space. There is currently over 78,000 tons of waste in the US. Ignoring the required shielding that would be required to do it safely, it would cost ~ 1 trillion dollars to send it in to space. FYI the gross domestic product of the US is about 14 trillion dollars.

Answer 3

The risk in case of launch failure is to great.

If you have ever seen a rocket explode on take off, imagine the waste scattered or falling into the sea.

Answer 4

if you want to run the risk of nuclear waste in the upper reaches of the earth's atmosphere killing all life on the planet....

Answer 5

since it's very hazardous, we dispose using lead containers..

that's very heavy to transport, very expensive way also..

Answer 6

Expense and Risk of Disaster... Maybe some time in the distant future.

Answer 7

it can but it would be WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, and TOO RISKY

Answer 8

Cost.

Answer 9

Technically it can, but there are some downsides.

1. The cost. Dumping it somewhere (possibly below ground) is a lot cheaper.

2. The risk. If something happens while transporting it to outer space (rockets do have accidents now and then) it would result in spreading nuclear material over a wide area with huge consequences (nuclear clouds like Tschernobyl).

Answer 10

If someone could perfect a space elevator, it just might be practical.