3. Controlling the safety of nuclear space systems

Many of the safety considerations specific to the use of nuclear systems in space are very different from those for terrestrial nuclear systems, and are not taken into account in safety guidelines for terrestrial nuclear applications. What's more, unlike the safety of transporting radioactive substances, for example, there are no international regulations governing the safe use of nuclear power sources in space. At this stage, the only international regulations in place are the following:

• non-binding] Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space". adopted in 1992 by the...