Radioactive horns: South Africa's bold approach to rhino conservation
The initiative, known as the Rhisotope Project, is the brainchild of researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) and marks a bold, science-driven attempt to save one of Africa's most iconic animals.
South Africa is home to the largest population of rhinos in the world—particularly white rhinos and the critically endangered black rhinos. Yet, this very distinction has turned the country into a poaching hotspot. According to conservation charity
Save the Rhino
, over 400 rhinos have been poached in South Africa every year since 2021, driven by illegal trade networks that stretch from African parks to Asian markets.
Read more:
After humans, this mammal rules the Earth, and 5 countries with its thriving population (no, not cows!)
Rhino horns are highly sought after in parts of Asia, where they are believed to have medicinal properties and are also viewed as luxury status symbols. The lucrative black market has made it difficult for governments and conservationists to keep pace.
A radioactive breakthrough
Enter the Rhisotope Project, a six-year research effort that cost roughly £220,000 ($290,000) and involved collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The method involves injecting a tiny amount of radioactive isotope into a rhino's horn, a process that has been rigorously tested and deemed completely safe for the animals.
Wits University professor James Larkin, one of the key figures behind the project, told the
BBC
that the innovation shifts the approach from reactive to proactive. 'At least one animal a day is still being poached,' he said. 'This is a significant tool to help reduce the numbers of poaching.'
The idea is not to harm anyone who touches the horn but to make the horn detectable by radiation monitors at ports, airports, and border crossings. Customs officers, who already use radiation detectors for other security purposes, could easily identify smuggled rhino horns—even those hidden inside massive 40-foot shipping containers.
Pilot study
The initial pilot involved 20 rhinos, all of whom responded well to the treatment.
Larkin confirmed the material was 'completely safe' and did not harm the animals. The team's success in proving that the radioactive horns can be tracked through international freight systems marks a pivotal moment in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
Jessica Babich, head of the Rhisotope Project, emphasized the scale of their ambition: 'Our goal is to deploy the Rhisotope technology at scale to help protect one of Africa's most iconic and threatened species.
By doing so, we safeguard not just rhinos but a vital part of our natural heritage.'
Read more:
5 snake parks in India that are absolutely fang-tastic and what makes them special
Conservationist Jamie Joseph, director of
Saving the Wild
, called the project 'innovative and much needed.' She noted that while this solution isn't the 'endgame,' it can still disrupt smuggling networks and help experts better understand trafficking routes through hard data.
'It will certainly help disrupt the flow of horns leaving the country and help experts better map out the illegal channels by providing reliable data,' she added.
Despite its promise, the Rhisotope Project is not a silver bullet. Activists and scientists alike stress the need for stronger laws, enforcement, and political will. Without these structural changes, even the most advanced technologies may only offer short-term deterrence.
Still, the Rhisotope Project represents a rare intersection of nuclear science, conservation, and real-world impact—an example of how innovation can step into spaces where policy and enforcement have lagged.
As poachers use more sophisticated tools, so tools used to fight them are also being enhanced.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Friendship Day wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
NASA to build Moon reactor by 2030, outpacing China-Russia lunar ambitions with a 100-kilowatt power system
Source: New York Times / BBC The United States is accelerating its space ambitions with a bold plan to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, according to the reports. This move, championed by Transportation Secretary and interim NASA chief Sean Duffy, signals a significant shift toward energy independence and strategic dominance in lunar exploration. The directive aims to outpace China and Russia's joint lunar base efforts while ensuring sustainable power for future Moon habitats and research facilities. With a 100-kilowatt power system in focus and contracts for ISS replacement on the horizon, this strategy could reshape the future of space exploration and energy innovation. Why the Moon needs a nuclear reactor Solar power, though efficient in low-Earth orbit, is unreliable on the Moon due to two-week-long lunar nights. A nuclear reactor ensures continuous, high-output power for critical systems like habitats, life support, and mining equipment. NASA's earlier 40-kilowatt system design now expands to a 100-kilowatt model, enabling long-term settlements and deep-space missions. Experts note that nuclear power could support resource extraction, like oxygen and water from lunar regolith, which is crucial for producing rocket fuel and sustaining human life far from Earth. This capability would reduce dependency on Earth-based resupply missions, making lunar bases more economically and operationally viable. Space race 2.0: US reacts to China-Russia lunar base plans with a 100-kilowatt power strategy China and Russia's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) poses a direct challenge to US leadership in space. Their collaboration aims to establish a permanently crewed lunar facility, backed by advanced robotics and resource utilization programs. Duffy's directive reflects a 'space race 2.0' mindset, emphasizing energy independence and infrastructure as strategic levers. Analysts say the nuclear reactor isn't just about science; it's a symbol of geopolitical power projection. By achieving reliable energy on the Moon, the US can support military, scientific, and commercial activities, ensuring it remains ahead in a future where lunar resources could influence global energy and technology markets. The directive significantly upsizes previous NASA designs, calling for a 100-kilowatt fission surface power system capable of running multiple habitats and industrial-scale facilities. The plan involves a 60-day window to gather input from private space and energy companies and appointing a NASA official to spearhead the project. This power scale is intended not only for lunar missions but also to serve as a blueprint for Mars and deep-space exploration. Unlike solar arrays, nuclear reactors can withstand lunar dust, extreme temperatures, and long nights, making them a game-changer for permanent extraterrestrial settlements and advanced resource processing facilities on the Moon. NASA's new vision under Duffy: Hard-power technologies and commercial space growth Sean Duffy's appointment as interim NASA chief, while also serving as Transportation Secretary, sparked debate in Congress. Critics question his ability to manage two high-profile federal roles simultaneously. However, this lunar reactor initiative shows Duffy's intent to leave a strong mark on US space policy, focusing on hard-power technologies rather than purely scientific exploration. His directive aligns with the White House's push for increased crewed spaceflight funding, even while cutting some research programs. The move highlights a shift in NASA priorities, emphasising infrastructure and power generation as key pillars for maintaining US dominance in an increasingly contested space environment. Alongside the Moon reactor plan, NASA aims to accelerate the replacement of the ageing International Space Station (ISS). The agency will award contracts to at least two private companies within six months, with a goal of deploying a commercially operated station by 2030. Leading contenders include Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin. This transition reflects NASA's procurement shift toward private-sector partnerships, ensuring a continued human presence in low-Earth orbit while freeing up resources for deep-space missions. Critics have raised concerns about funding delays, but Duffy's directive is expected to fast-track development and synchronize with national space security strategies. Why the Moon nuclear reactor is important for Mars and asteroid missions The Moon nuclear reactor initiative signals more than just energy innovation; it represents a paradigm shift in space exploration. By coupling lunar nuclear energy infrastructure with a commercial space station ecosystem, the US positions itself to dominate both cislunar space and planetary exploration. Experts believe this could lead to permanent Moon settlements, asteroid mining, and Mars missions becoming practical within the next decade. Furthermore, the initiative reinforces US competitiveness in a world where space resources and technologies may define future economic and military power. The outcome of these programs could reshape the global balance of power beyond Earth. Also Read | NASA astronaut recalls awe-inspiring view of Mumbai and Delhi's night lights from space: 'India looks magical'
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
A nuclear reactor on the Moon? How the U.S. just unleashed a new era of space power to outpace China and Russia
Synopsis A nuclear reactor on the Moon is no longer science fiction. Under the bold leadership of Sean Duffy, NASA is fast-tracking plans to launch a powerful nuclear power system to the lunar surface. This mission marks the beginning of a new era of space energy, where solar isn't enough and nuclear becomes the key to powering future Moon bases. With a 100-kilowatt target, this project is set to change how we explore space. From surviving long lunar nights to supporting astronauts, this move could redefine U.S. leadership in space. And yes, it's already in motion. A nuclear reactor on the Moon? It's no longer just a sci-fi dream. The U.S. has officially unleashed a bold new space initiative under NASA's interim chief and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—one that aims to power future lunar missions with a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor. This game-changing plan marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration, where America is racing to stay ahead of global rivals like China and Russia. NASA plan for nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030: In a move that could reshape the future of space exploration, interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as Transportation Secretary and is a former Fox Business host, is expected to announce a fast-tracked plan to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the year 2030. This marks his first major agency initiative and signals the Trump administration's growing ambition to win the second space race—this time against China and Russia. NASA's goal is simple yet ambitious: power long-term lunar missions with a 100-kilowatt nuclear fission reactor. The technology will provide reliable, round-the-clock energy for astronauts, research stations, and equipment during the harsh 14-day lunar night, when solar power becomes unreliable. Unlike previous space energy systems, this lunar nuclear reactor would allow future missions to explore, mine, and survive in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's south pole—potentially unlocking water, oxygen, and other vital resources. Sean Duffy is taking a more aggressive approach than past NASA leaders. While NASA had already been developing a 40-kilowatt fission surface power (FSP) system, Duffy has directed the agency to scale up to 100 kilowatts and shave years off the timeline—setting a launch target for 2030. He's also ordered: A 60-day deadline for industry proposals A designated lead coordinator inside NASA A full review of all nuclear power projects tied to lunar missions This push is all part of a broader strategy to outpace China, which is actively working on its own advanced lunar nuclear technology. Power is everything in space. And on the Moon, it's even more critical. Lunar nights last 14 Earth days—too long for solar panels to handle alone Nuclear power offers continuous energy, even in dark craters or during extreme cold A 100-kW reactor can power habitats, mining tools, scientific labs, and rovers at the same time Without nuclear, NASA would struggle to maintain permanent human presence on the Moon or build infrastructure needed for future Mars missions. The plan builds on NASA's Kilopower project, which successfully tested a small nuclear system back in 2018. The current design will likely: Be compact and lightweight, built to survive space launch Use highly enriched uranium to power a fission system Generate electricity through heat-to-electric converters Safety remains a top priority. All systems must meet strict launch and radiation standards to prevent harm in case of failure. The Department of Energy, FAA, and international agencies are expected to collaborate on safety protocols. Even with political backing, this won't be easy. Key challenges include: Massive payloads : Reactors aren't light—they require heavy-lift launch vehicles : Reactors aren't light—they require heavy-lift launch vehicles Regulatory approval : Launching nuclear material involves layers of red tape : Launching nuclear material involves layers of red tape Budget uncertainty : NASA faces proposed cuts of 25%, including 50% to science programs : NASA faces proposed cuts of 25%, including 50% to science programs Technology risks: Going from prototype to real deployment in 5 years is an engineering stretch Still, Duffy insists that America must lead in space power technology to stay ahead of its rivals. China has been vocal about its ambitions. Earlier this year, its state-run space agency claimed it had developed a smaller, more efficient reactor than NASA's planned design—using just 18 kilograms of uranium compared to the 70 kilograms in U.S. prototypes. Beijing has also accelerated its lunar base plans and suggested it could deploy nuclear systems to power its outposts by the early 2030s. The U.S. sees this as a clear challenge, and Duffy's announcement reflects growing pressure to counter China's space push. This isn't just another space headline. It's a signal that the U.S. is preparing to lead the next era of lunar exploration, with energy independence at its core. By fast-tracking a lunar nuclear reactor, Sean Duffy is putting NASA at the center of a global competition for off-world infrastructure. If successful, this move could lay the groundwork for everything from moon bases to Mars missions—and secure U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Q: Is the U.S. really putting a nuclear reactor on the Moon? Yes, NASA plans to launch a nuclear reactor to power future Moon missions. Q: Who is leading NASA's new lunar nuclear project? Sean Duffy, the interim NASA chief and U.S. Transportation Secretary, is leading the effort.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit the Moon in 2032 causing rare meteor showers visible from Earth and risk for satellites
Astronomers have been keeping a close watch on asteroid 2024 YR4 since its detection late last year. While initial observations sparked concern about a potential Earth impact, updated trajectory models have now ruled out that possibility. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, scientists warn there is still a 4% chance that the asteroid could collide with the Moon in 2032. Though small measuring only 175 to 220 feet in diameter its speed and angle could unleash enormous energy upon impact, carving out a half-mile-wide crater on the lunar surface. Such an event would not only be scientifically historic but could also generate a rare meteor shower and pose serious risks to satellites in low-Earth orbit. This potential impact is pushing astronomers to track the asteroid with unprecedented precision. Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit big moon crater and cause rare meteor showers Asteroid 2024 YR4 is only 175–220 feet wide, roughly the height of a 15-story building but travelling at thousands of miles per hour, its impact energy could equal millions of tons of TNT. If it strikes the Moon, models predict it will create a crater more than half a mile wide, similar in size to some craters formed by much larger meteorites billions of years ago. Such energy release would blast debris into space, ejecting chunks of lunar rock at escape velocity. Most ejected debris would disperse harmlessly into space, but some fragments could cross paths with Earth's orbit. While this debris poses no existential threat, it could trigger a rare meteor shower visible from Earth. Unlike normal fast-moving meteors, these fragments would travel slower, creating a brighter, longer-lasting celestial display. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meteor shower could last several days and might become one of the most memorable astronomical events of the decade. How was asteroid 2024 YR4 discovered The asteroid was discovered in late 2024, when automated sky-survey systems detected a fast-moving object in deep space. Initially, there were concerns about a possible Earth collision, but refined orbital models ruled out direct danger to our planet. Instead, focus shifted to the Moon, which now faces a small but notable risk of impact. In March 2025, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observed the asteroid in detail, capturing images of its rocky, jagged surface and unexpectedly reflective properties. These observations are critical because surface composition and reflectivity (albedo) influence how sunlight affects its orbit—a factor known as the Yarkovsky effect—which can subtly change an asteroid's path over time. Asteroid 2024 YR4 impact risks for satellites and benefits for space science The biggest technical concern is space infrastructure. Modern life relies heavily on low-Earth orbit satellites for communication, weather forecasting, GPS navigation, and internet services. The impact debris, while small (millimeter-sized), could still collide with satellites, causing surface damage or temporary outages. NASA's upcoming Lunar Gateway station, which will orbit the Moon, may also be at risk if even a small fraction of debris intersects its orbit. Engineers are already considering protective measures and contingency plans for such scenarios. Asteroid 2024 YR4 offers scientists a unique opportunity to study small-body impact physics and the Moon's surface dynamics. Additionally, it highlights the importance of planetary defense initiatives, which aim to detect and, if necessary, deflect asteroids that might threaten Earth or its immediate surroundings. Astronomers plan to track YR4 closely until 2028, when it reappears in optimal observation range. That data will allow them to refine impact probability estimates and prepare for any potential outcomes. If the asteroid does strike, humanity would witness a rare lunar event visible from Earth. While dangerous for satellites, the incident would have no catastrophic effect on life on our planet. On the positive side, it could give scientists invaluable insight into impact processes, help improve space debris mitigation, and even inspire new planetary defense strategies. Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit the moon in 2032 related FAQs Is asteroid 2024 YR4 going to hit Earth? No. Current trajectory models show no risk to Earth, so there is no danger of a direct impact on our planet. Could asteroid 2024 YR4 hit the Moon? Yes, there is about a 4% chance of a collision with the Moon, which is why scientists continue to track it closely. When could the asteroid hit the Moon? If it does collide, the predicted impact window is sometime in 2032, based on existing orbital data. What happens if the asteroid hits the Moon? It could create a half-mile-wide crater, send lunar debris into space, and possibly trigger a rare meteor shower visible from Earth. Will this event be dangerous for people on Earth? No, life on Earth will not be affected. The only concern is for satellites and space infrastructure, which could face temporary risks. Also Read |
