The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 charged the AEC to develop an economically viable, safe, nuclear power industry. Consequently, in its early years the AEC functioned primarily as a promotional agency. Through subsidization of basic research and development, nuclear power became a practical reality. (Weingast, p. 237)
Public sector support of nuclear power began with the nuclear weapons program during World War II. It continued through the creation of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1946, and through congressional subsidies that were doled out by the AEC until 1974. (Weingast, p. 231)
An example of the Atomic Energy Commission’s promotional activities below.
Video and description courtesy of archive.org
The Magic Of The Atom, No. 031, Atomic Energy For Space.
Co-producer, Handel Film Corp./Atomic Energy Commission/National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Video Description
The film explains why only atomic energy can satisfy some of the future power needs for the exploration of deep space. Nuclear energy for space is being developed through two basic applications: the nuclear rocket for space propulsion, and in isotopic or reactor power plants which can produce the electricity essential for spacecraft operations.It is explained that the nuclear rocket being developed jointly by the AEC and NASA in the Rover program, which will be essential for manned flights to the planets of our solar system and beyond, will use a nuclear reactor, or “atomic furnace,” to heat, vaporize and expand liquid hydrogen, and expel it from a nozzle to produce thrust.
The efficiency of nuclear and chemical rockets is compared, and it is noted that there will be a great reduction in the weight of the nuclear propulsion system as opposed to chemical rockets. The “fission” process to produce nuclear heat is explained with animation, as well as how this heat is used to produce thrust in the versatile nuclear engine. Shown also are the KIWI and NERVA nuclear reactor systems during “nozzle-up” ground tests. Scientists look forward to nuclear engines of the Phoebus series that will develop about 275,000 pounds of thrust for deep space probes.
The film then turns to the SNAP devices Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power: devices that supply electricity for all the various housekeeping and operational sub-systems of spacecraft and satellites (radio, TV, transmitters, computers, etc.). There are two types: isotopic generators (atomic batteries) and the nuclear power reactor. The film shows the first isotopic space generator which went into orbit in a satellite in 1961. By animation, it is illustrated how the decay of radio-isotopic materials produces heat which is converted directly to electricity by thermocouples. Also explained and illustrated is the nuclear reactor for auxiliary power, with scenes of the 1965 launch of the first reactor into orbit. This SNAP-10A reactor produced a half million watt-hours of electricity during operation. Future astronauts will travel in spacecraft propelled by nuclear rockets. The huge array of instruments and control devices in their spacecraft and those they will leave on the moon and planets will receive electricity from nuclear power generators.”
Journeys In Science 