The Elements: Plutonium

Plutonium, named after the dwarf planet Pluto, is a naturally occurring radioactive metal found in small amounts in uranium ores. It is capable of generating vast amounts of energy through nuclear fission, with just one gram equating to the energy produced by burning one tonne of oil. Plutonium is crucial in nuclear technology, contributing to a third of the power generated by nuclear power plants. It is also a byproduct of reprocessed nuclear fuel and a component in nuclear weapons, having been used in the first nuclear weapon test in 1945. Additionally, plutonium has powered space probes like the Voyager missions beyond our solar system.

In what year was plutonium used in the first nuclear weapon test?

What is one application of plutonium in space exploration?