Why did MHD research decline during the late 1960s?

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magnetohydrodynamic power generator Comparison of the operating principles of (A) a turbogenerator and (B) an MHD generator.

Research into magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation experienced a sharp decline during the late 1960s primarily due to two factors:

Dominance of Nuclear Power: There was a widespread assumption at the time that nuclear power would become the primary source for commercial electricity generation, leading to a shift in focus and funding away from MHD technology.1
Lack of Space Applications: Researchers failed to identify viable applications for MHD systems within the context of space missions, which further reduced the impetus for continued development.1

While these factors led to a significant curtailment of research, interest in the field was later revived during the 1970s, driven by the energy crisis and a new focus on coal-fueled systems.1