Interpretation and development of the UN safety principles for space nuclear power sources

In adopting a resolution on open-quote principles relevant to the use of nuclear power sources in outer space close-quote in December 1992, the UN General Assembly recognised that future revision would be required in view of emerging nuclear power applications in space and evolving international recommendations on nuclear safety and radiological protection. A revision is suggested which generalises the intentions embodied in the UN resolution in a way which is consistent with subsequent international developments under the aegis of ICRP and IAEA. The revision takes the form of six Supplementary Principles incorporating developments in probabilistic risk assessment, safety culture and radiological protection together with the recognition of the importance of Safeguards. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics