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In the context of Cold War tensions, the United States initiated Project Pluto in 1957, aiming to develop the Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM), a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of evading defenses through low-altitude flight. Led by the USAF and the Atomic Energy Commission, and engineered by the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, the project sought to create a missile that could achieve Mach 3+ speeds, carry multiple nuclear warheads, and operate indefinitely thanks to its nuclear ramjet engine, which generated thrust through superheated air. Despite a significant investment of approximately $260 million (equivalent to $2 billion today), Project Pluto was ultimately canceled in 1964 due to ethical concerns regarding its radioactive exhaust, geopolitical risks, and the emergence of more cost-effective intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

In contrast, Russia has revived the concept with the development of the Burevestnik missile, a contemporary nuclear-powered cruise missile that demonstrates a willingness to overlook similar ethical and environmental concerns. The Burevestnik, nicknamed the "Flying Chernobyl," has been tested multiple times, despite its unaddressed radioactive exhaust issues, which have resulted in several radiation-related accidents, including fatalities among Russian civilians.

The Kremlin's commitment to this missile system reflects a strategic pivot toward accepting the dangers associated with such technologies. As advancements in hypersonic and drone capabilities continue, the relevance and feasibility of nuclear-powered missiles like the SLAM are increasingly questionable. Nevertheless, the Russian military's focus on the Burevestnik illustrates a stark divergence from the U.S. abandonment of Project Pluto, underscoring the evolving landscape of nuclear deterrence and military strategy in the 21st century.

In conclusion, while the U.S. moved away from the ethical implications of nuclear-powered weaponry decades ago, Russia's embrace of the Burevestnik raises critical questions about the future of military technology and international stability.