The Office of Nuclear Energy's Mary McCune recently participated in a working group at the United Nations.
February 20, 2018
minute read time
The Office of Nuclear Energy's Mary McCune recently participated in the in Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). She was one of the U.S. participants in the Use of Nuclear Power Sources (NPS) in Outer Space Working Group (WG).
The NPS WG is currently working under the objectives of its 2017-2021 work plan, which include promoting and facilitating the implementation of the Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Source Applications in Outer Space and discussing advances in knowledge and practices and their potential for enhancing the technical content and scope of the Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space.
Join the Conversation
The Safety Framework provides high-level voluntary guidance that addresses unique nuclear safety considerations for relevant launch, operation, and end-of-service mission phases of space NPS applications. The principles address goals and guidelines to ensure the safe use of NPS in outer space.
The United States is among several member states and international intergovernmental organizations invited to make technical presentations pursuant to the objectives of the NPS WG work plan when the STSC meets next in 2019.
The Office of Nuclear Energy has a longstanding relationship with NASA for the U.S. Department of Energy's provision of nuclear power sources for selected NASA operational missions.