[AJames]

Originally Posted by Lee

Are any satellites nuclear powered??? I didn't think we had reactors that small to be in satelites - thought they were usually solar/battery. That said, I'm sure there are plenty of unsavoury chemicals etc up there.....

You are probably right. I might be thinking more of the old Russian satellites, which have fallen to earth in the past - one was in South America if I can recall.
I thought that some of these need significant power, and having to be as invisible as possible - kind of stealth mode - so solar panels would be a no no. Furthermore, most are thought to be dark non-reflective materials and probably invisible unless you really know what your looking for... (probably classified, so again I hope no one knocks on my door! If I don't post to this thread again, well you know...) Knowing when something is spying on you would seem pretty sloppy for your enemy.
As for chemicals, I'm unsure. Good point though...

Andrew