wrote in message
...
Given the desire to use nuclear propulsion for deep space exploration
(i.e. VASIMR, Mars 1986, Mars 1994, etc.), but the danger of
uncontrolled re-entry of radioactive materials ( see Cosmos 954),

That was not a terribly good design because the radioactive materials
weren't contained in such a way that they could remain intact during reentry
(which is done with all US RTGs and the like).

maybe all nuclear reactors in LEO should be put there by manned
vehicles, reside on manned platforms, and be manually controllable.
Always having a "man-in-the-loop" provides the same type of additional
safety margin that pilots give to commercial planes.

Given all of the manned space accidents (fatal and non-fatal) what makes you
think that requiring a "man in the loop" is going to make much of a
difference in safety?

Jeff
--
"Take heart amid the deepening gloom
that your dog is finally getting enough cheese" - Deteriorata - National
Lampoon