Advancing outer-space governance by harmonizing a nuclear security framework with existing safety standards for space-based nuclear-powered systems
Heading:
| 1Rahayu, D, 1Putrajaya, F, 1Mulyana, D 1Research Center for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Space Sci. & Technol. 2025, 31 ;(5):64-72 |
| https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2025.05.064 |
| Publication Language: English |
Abstract: This study assessed the extent to which existing international governance instruments address nuclear security for space-based nuclear-powered systems. A structured literature review identified the twelve Essential Elements of IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20 (NSS-20) as the only internationally endorsed statement of nuclear security objectives. Each element was reformulated to suit the launch, orbital, transit, and end-of-life phases, then mapped against the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the Liability Convention (1972), the Registration Convention (1975), and the Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Source Applications in Outer Space (2009). Clause-by-clause coding produced a 12 × 4 matrix in which scores of 1, 0.5, or 0 indicated, respectively, full, partial, or no correspondence. The mapping showed strong coverage for State responsibility, liability, and information exchange, partial coverage for risk-informed planning, and little or no coverage for the criminalization of hostile acts, threat assessment, anomaly detection, or sustained assurance. None of the instruments defined nuclear security for space activities. The discussion concluded that the NSS 20 principles were compatible with space law at a fundamental level; however, they presupposed terrestrial conditions, rendering their existing implementation guidance insufficient once a mission entered orbit. The study, therefore, recommends the development of a dedicated Space Nuclear Security Framework that would retain NSS 20 terminology while providing space-specific requirements for the life-cycle protection of nuclear-powered missions.
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| Keywords: Nuclear Security, outer space, Safety, Space-Based Nuclear-Powered Systems |
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.06.052
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrras.2023.100814
16. Soroka, L. Modern Views on Criminal Liability for Crimes in Outer Space. Philosophy and Cosmology, Volume 30, 64-76 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.29202/phil-cosm/30/6
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.02.007
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https://doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1706378
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https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/39/20240680