US nuclear tech could cut radioactive waste, power deep space trips

The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), in partnership with SHINE Technologies, has developed an advanced chemical recycling process for spent nuclear fuel that could significantly reduce radioactive waste and support deep space missions. Utilizing equipment such as centrifugal contactors—which spin liquids to separate materials by density—and 3D-printed parts for rapid prototyping, the team aims to create a cost-effective, scalable solution for industrial nuclear fuel recycling. This approach focuses on extracting valuable resources from used fuel, over 95% of which still contains untapped energy, thereby enhancing fuel recovery, reducing long-term waste, and promoting a sustainable nuclear energy cycle. Key challenges addressed include the intense radioactivity and heat of spent fuel, requiring stringent safety measures and “safeguards by design” to prevent illicit access and ensure regulatory compliance. The process also prioritizes economic feasibility by targeting commercial demand for recovered materials, such as recycled fuel and radioisotopes that can power advanced reactors, medical diagnostics, and deep-space missions. Researchers simulate