othermedium impact10/08/2026, 08:08:22Confidence 62/100
NASA's reliance on plutonium-238 for deep space missions highlighted in recent analysis
A recent article discusses the historical reliance of spacecraft beyond Jupiter on plutonium-238. It notes the US stopped producing the isotope in 1988 and only resumed production in 2015, with past reliance on Russian supplies.
Claims & verification status
Likely
The United States stopped producing plutonium-238 in 1988 and resumed production in 2015.
Likely
Prior to the resumption of production in 2015, the US relied on old reserves and Russian supplies for plutonium-238.
+1 more claim on the 7-day Pro trial.
Impact analysis
Who claims what
- —A recent article claims that every spacecraft sent to operate beyond Jupiter has depended on plutonium-238 — not independently verified.
- —The article claims the United States stopped producing plutonium-238 in 1988 and resumed production in 2015 — not independently verified.
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Our assessment
If accurate, these claims highlight the strategic importance of plutonium-238 for space missions and past interdependence between the US and Russia in this specialized supply…