Suggestions for China on establishing safety mechanisms for space nuclear power source applications

Abstract

With the development of deep space exploration in China, the application of space nuclear power source (NPS) is becoming increasingly intense when solar energy cannot meet the mission requirements. Because of the particularity of its nuclear operation and use, the safety of the whole process has become a matter that must be paid attention to and guaranteed. Establishing a scientific and efficient safety mechanism is an important means to ensure the safety of the whole process. The Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Source Applications in Outer Space ( Safety Framework ) was developed jointly by United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), providing safety standards and technical guidelines for all countries. The Safety Framework is a consensus reached by the member states of COPUOS on the safety of space NPS, and it can be applied to all space NPS applications. Countries can flexibly adjust the guide according to their own actual situation to adapt to the organizational structure of their space NPS applications. According to the practical application needs of space NPS, the United States has developed and implemented its own domestic safety mechanisms. The comprehensive safety mechanism for space NPS applications in the United States is closely consistent with the requirements of the Safety Framework , and its relevant national laws are consistent with the three categories of guidance contained in the Safety Framework , namely, the guidance of government, management and technology. Even within the system of the federal law of the United States, stricter standards and assessment procedures for the safe use of space NPS have been adopted. The space NPS application program of the United States requires specific legal action measures and necessary procedures. If the relevant measures and procedures are not followed, the application of space NPS cannot be approved and started by the government departments. The guidelines of the three aspects of the Safety Framework have been strictly implemented in the comprehensive security mechanism of the United States. China’s space NPS application is still in its infancy. Although the relevant provisions of the Safety Framework have been tried to implement in China’s Chang’E-3 and -4 missions, there is still no long-term national space NPS safety mechanism. Based on the Safety Framework and the experience of the United States, combined with the safety practice of space NPS in China, this article puts forward some suggestions for further improving the comprehensive safety management mechanism in China: (1) Establish or improve the national laws and regulations system to ensure that all responsibilities and procedures for the safety of space NPS applications are effectively fulfilled; (2) establish or improve the safety mechanism of space NPS application at the government level, so as to ensure the whole elements and process of space NPS application safety; (3) strengthen the safety technology reserve of space NPS application, so that relevant departments have and maintain the technical capacity of safety application. In the context of the drafting of China’s national space law, the decision makers of relevant departments of space NPS application should draw on the international rules such as the Safety Framework and the safety management mechanism of space NPS in major space countries, and formulate the safety management mechanism applicable to China’s space NPS application, which will be conducive to the early realization of China’s space NPS application safety system and meticulous management to ensure the smooth implementation of the space exploration mission.