Beginning in the late 1950s, the U.S. met this challenge by developing nuclear batteries known as radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and producing plutonium-238 (Pu-238 ... found in nature ...

In this capacity he had supervision of the research and development connected with, and the design, construction and ...

Nuclear reactors line the riverbank, Hanford Site along the Columbia River, January 1960. The historic B Reactor, the world's first plutonium production reactor, is visible in the distance.