Radioisotopes

The Atomic Energy Commission has accepted two proposals for private firms to study, at their own expense, the commercial feasibility of manufacturing, processing and selling radioisotopes. Contracts have been signed with Bendix Aviation Corporation of Detroit and Tracerlab, Incorporated, of Boston. The longrange goal of the two projects is wider commercial use of radioisotopes. The first step will be to study the AEC’s isotope processing program and to investigate the possibilities of building and operating reactors to produce radioisotopes. After full security requirements have been met, reactor data in this field will be made available to small groups of scientists and technicians from Tracerlab and Bendix. Experts of the AEC and its contractors will assist them in carrying out their studies. Both firms are to make their reports and evaluations directly to the AEC within a year. These contracts are in line with the Commission’s policy to encourage privately‐financed groups to study the possibilities of taking over some segments of the atomic energy industry for commercial development. However, due to the urgency of the AEC expansion program, the Commission is not able at this time to consider additional proposals for this type of investigation.