The Legal Regime of the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Space Missions

Abstract

AbstractThe set of norms governing States’ conduct in outer space does not only consist of multilateral treaties laying down mandatory rules. It also includes non-binding instruments such as guidelines, principles and standards which influence the way States and international organizations carry out their space activities and may become mandatory once translated into domestic legislation. The 1992 Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space and the 2009 Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Source Applications in Outer Space, adopted by the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and in cooperation with the IAEA, have proved to be suitable means to regulate the evolving space activities also taking into account environmental concerns and contributing to the prevention of further proliferation of space debris. It is important that the COPUOS maintains and develops its role as a technical, legal and political body overviewing treaties, principles and standards related to the use of space NPS in close collaboration with other relevant intergovernmental organizations and bodies. The handling of the matter by COPUOS contributes to confidence building in the area of peaceful uses of outer space, where international cooperation must evolve alongside with the use of science and technology for sustainable development.KeywordsNuclear Power SourcesOuter SpaceCOPUOSTreatiesSoft LawPrinciplesGuidelinesEnvironment