Lifecycle mission safety for space nuclear systems

Abstract

The development of novel space nuclear systems by governments and companies can greatly enhance space exploration, commerce, and defense capabilities. However, the predominant safety framework for space nuclear in soft law and in practice focuses narrowly on launch safety. A Lifecycle Mission Safety Framework provides a new heuristic to guide system designers, mission planners, regulators, and international law for safety across the broad range of space nuclear applications. It expands safety goals beyond protection of the terrestrial population to workers and astronauts, as well as to activities in orbital space and planetary surfaces. By defining mission phases and identifying safety considerations in each, this framework provides for proactive identification and management of risk.