Space nuclear power and the UN: a growing fiasco

Article Abstract:

The United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPOUS) completed in 1990 guidelines on the safe usage of nuclear power in space after decades of discussion. The COPOUS was established in 1959 to draft the principles of international space law. The guidelines on nuclear power safety in outer space was in response to the accidental reentry of the Soviet Cosmos 954 in 1978. The US, however, repudiated the COPOUS guidelines in 1991, putting into doubt the possibility of international cooperation in the safe usage of space nuclear power.

Author: Aftergood, Steven
Management, Outer space, Artificial satellites, Satellites (Spacecraft), Nuclear propulsion, United Nations. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

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The role of law with respect to future space activities

Article Abstract:

International space law, like any legal system, should aim to provide traffic-directing regulation and preserve justice. Law should neither lag too far behind space development nor try to predict future regulatory needs. The existing skeletal legal structure, with a ban on military use, the principle of reasonable freedom of activity and quasi-territorial jurisdiction seems adequate, until humans begin to live in outer space in large numbers. Developing a new legal system would be terribly difficult and unnecessary.

Author: Dunk, Frans G. von der
Astronautics and civilization

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The aerospace plane: its legal and political future

Article Abstract:

A new allocative theory for the legal aspects of the space plane is proposed. A space plane is a hybrid, combining the ability to fly in normal atmosphere and outerspace. The allocative theory uses intent and purpose to determine which category of law can be applied to the space plane. If the intent is transport within Earth, it is subject to air space law. If the purpose is transport to outerspace, then it is subject to international space law.

Author: Christol, Carl Q.
Space shuttles, Space transportation, X-30 (Aircraft)

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Subjects list: Interpretation and construction, Laws, regulations and rules, Space law
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