McMurdo Nuclear Power Plant

© David Eldred

1962

Part of the nuclear power plant is lifted off the USS Arneb onto the ice.

Marked on the side of the steel container: "Martin PM-A3 Nuclear Power Plant" (click photo to enlarge)

In August 1960, Congress authorized the construction of a nuclear power station for McMurdo Station. Martin Coroporation was awarded the $4 million contract for the plant. It was assembled and tested in Baltimore in fall 1961.

© David Eldred

1962

More components of the nuclear power station wait to be unloaded from the USS Arneb.

In early November, 1961, the plant modules were loaded onto the USS Arneb in Rhode Island. On December 13, 1961, the ship arrived at McMurdo sound and began uloading on the ice.

© David Eldred

1962

More nuclear components

All of the components of the nuclear plant were unloaded by December 29, 1961. The components were hauled over the ice on cargo sleds to the reactor site at McMurdo Station. Between January 1, and March 1, 1962 the plant was assembled and tested. On March 4, 1961 the plant was operational. Incredibly, the entire project had gone from Congressional approval to operation in 18 month - by today's standards, an amazing feat.

© David Eldred

1962

Cargo sleds

Unfortunately, the nuclear power plant was not the answer to the station's needs that its proponents had hoped. The plant suffered several accidents and problems, from a fire in the containment tanks in fall 1962, to the coolant leak that sealed its fate in 1972. The plant was removed during the late 1970s.