Nuclear Fusion: The Last “Microfrontier”

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Recommended: Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear fusion use

Imagine a world with almost limitless fuel, clean fuel. Envision a society that can harness the same process that powers the sun. Skeptics may say that this is impossible. In fact, an alternate source of energy exists, and so does the process to create it. Nuclear fusion, a process in which the Helium 3 isotope is utilized is the rapture in which the U.S.A., and the world, could produce a great amount of energy as an alternative to petroleum.

Whether nuclear fusion produces a substantial amount of energy for the U.S. may not matter. All good things come with speculation. Some critics, like Michael Moyer, suppose that nuclear fusion would create too much radiation, or harmful by-products that may cause cancer or other mutations. (Moyer, 55) Frank Close states that the phrase nuclear fusion screams “expensive,” and even if it may benefit the economy in the future, the U.S. does not need another pipedream that may cost the country a pretty penny during this economic crisis. (Williams, Mark) Gerald Kulcinski says people think about the dangers of this program, rather than the payback. (Williams) One speculation that concerns people is the idea of the U.S. being the harbinger of a superpower that could possibly have serious repercussions. Brenda Elliott states that the main problem that thwarts nuclear fusion is the federal halt on space expeditions. (Elliott)

Julie Wakefield states that if we are to achieve nuclear fusion, we must first travel to the moon, where the valuable isotope, Helium 3 is located. (Wakefield) Some may speculate how we will find a way to get to the moon, with a moratorium on space travel. John Lasker proposes that since space travel is supposed to be commercialized by 2020, that scientists should...

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...s. Condé Nast Digital, 28 Aug. 2008. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .

Moyer, Michael. "Fusion's False Dawn." Scientific American Mar. 2010: 50-57. Print.

Schmitt, Harrison H. "Mining The Moon -." Popular Mechanics. Hearst, Oct. 2004. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .

Wakefield, Julie. "SPACE.com -- Researchers and Space Enthusiasts See Helium-3 as the Perfect Fuel Source." Learn More ... 30 June 2000. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .

Williams, Mark. "Mining the Moon." Technology Review. MIT Review, 23 Aug. 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .

"Wind Energy Facts." Alternative Energy. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .

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