用于航天和特殊的大地应用所需的放射性同位素能源的Pu-238,据巴特耳·哥伦布实验室最近的研究,可在不久的将来用激光同位素分离方法最经济地大量制备。根据为美国能源研究与发展署航天核系统部准备的最近完成的经济鉴定,钚可从轻水反应堆燃料废物中回收。 Pu-238, a radioactive isotope energy required for aerospace and special geotechnical applications, according to a recent study by the Bartle Columbus Laboratory, can be most economically mass-produced using a laser isotope separation method in the near future. According to a recently completed economic assessment prepared for the Department of Aerospace Nuclear Systems, U.S. Department of Energy Research and Development, plutonium can be recovered from light water reactor fuel waste.