V. M. Kuznetsov

This essay analyzes the development of nuclear powered generators for purposes of transportation, such as those used by the Russian navy on nuclear submarines and nuclear-powered ships, and the future prospects for this technology. The issue is an important and complex one in terms of the nation’s defense needs. But the disposal of nuclear waste, as existing ships approach the end of their useful life-spans, raises its own set of extremely complex problems. Understanding the basic stages in the development of nuclear powered submarines and ships is thus highly relevant from the vantage point of the present.