The flight safety review/approval process for U.S. nuclear-powered space missions

Since 1961, the US has launched > 20 spacecraft using nuclear power sources. One of these space missions involved a nuclear reactor; the remainder were powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). Space nuclear power/propulsion systems are receiving greater attention in the US and abroad. These developments suggest that nuclear systems may play an expanding role in future space endeavors. Although space nuclear power/propulsion offers distinct advantages, it also poses significant safety challenges. Stringent design and operational flight safety measures are required to protect the public an the environment under normal and accident conditions. Moreover, formal safety reviews are mandatory to obtain flight approval. This paper describes the flight safety review and launch approval process used in the US for nuclear-powered space missions