Nuclear reactor in Antarctica turned out to be a dud.

Why Navy Seabees built a nuclear power plant on Antarctica, We are the Mighty, Miguel Ortiz April 21, 2023

U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, better known as Seabees, are famous for their building projects in some of the most austere conditions. Their mottos “We build, We fight” and “Can Do” are perhaps best exemplified in the construction of the first and only nuclear power plant on Antarctica……………………..

In August 1960, Congress approved the construction of a nuclear power plant at McMurdo Station. Martin Marietta was contracted to build the reactor named PM-3A. Designed to be portable and delivered by LC-130, the reactor’s fuel assembly was roughly the size of an oil drum. Although McMurdo Station is accessible by ship, it was hoped that nuclear plants could be expanded to facilities deeper in Antarctica that are only accessible by aircraft……………………………………………………….

Unfortunately, the nuclear plant was found to be about 72% reliable with 438 malfunctions in its lifetime. Moreover, newer diesel-electric generators would require less staff, be more reliable and pose no risk of nuclear radiation. The PM-3A suffered minor cracks in its containment vessel which leaked coolant water. All of these factors resulted in the plant’s shutdown in September 1972…………………….  https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/why-navy-seabees-built-a-nuclear-power-plant-on-antarctica/

April 22, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized