Ever heard of a hot cell? I got the rare chance to step inside the newest hot cell at Idaho National Laboratory before it’s sealed up for operation. A hot cell is a heavily shielded room where scientists can safely handle some of the most radioactive materials on earth. Imagine giant robotic arms behind 4-foot-thick glass, letting researchers move fuel rods and materials that would otherwise be way too dangerous to touch. This is where scientists test, study, and push forward the technologies that will shape the future of clean energy. Why is this one special? Because it hasn’t gone “hot” yet. Once it’s sealed, the cell will become too radioactive for people to enter for decades without serious protective clothing. So me walking in with my blazer on is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Some rad fun facts about hot cells at INL: ✨ INL hot cells have been key to everything from nuclear medicine to space exploration (yes, NASA spacecraft run on nuclear batteries assembled and tested here). ✨ They’re essential for developing the next generation of advanced reactors. ✨ This new hot cell will help accelerate that future. Now you can see why walking through those doors was a pinch-me moment. #HotCell #IdahoNationalLaboratory #INL