Title: Discussion on extending/modifying the 1992 nuclear power sources principles to broader space operations

Authors: Yun Zhao

Addresses: School of Law, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: After more than ten years of existence, the 1992 nuclear power source principles now stand at a crossroads. Various parties have expressed the idea of extending nuclear power sources (NPS) for broader space operations. While theoretical debates on the feasibility of such applications do not much help in practice, a pragmatic approach should be adopted that formulates a new framework to accommodate the new demands. As a result, the revisit of the current principles is justified. This revisit should be extensive, including the substantial aspects as well as the formality of the principles. It is expected that the improved principles shall well accommodate the renewed call for the application of NPS in broader space operations and the well-being of modern society as a whole.

Keywords: customary law; environmental protection; nuclear power sources; NPS principles; reasonableness; space operations; nuclear energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNUCL.2007.014802

International Journal of Nuclear Law, 2007 Vol.1 No.4, pp.315 - 327

Published online: 09 Aug 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article