Opening Panel - SNPP Launch Approval Processes For Civil, Commercial, And Military Applications

The development and deployment of space nuclear power systems that include radioisotope power sources and fission reactors is underway by the US government and private industry. Review and approval for nuclear systems have been well established for government radioisotope systems based upon the use of Plutonium-238, but alternative materials and designs are now being considered, and private industry are proposing to build and launch both radioisotope and reactor systems. The safety review and launch approval process are critical to the future of nuclear power systems and include the review by multiple agencies. Private industry may now fall under the FAA for launch approval, and the government will seek approval through the INSRB as defined in NSPM-20. There have been numerous questions that have been raised about how both government and commercial launches will be coordinated and approved through NASA, the FAA and DOW. The purpose of this panel is to bring together experts to discuss their vision on how these issues will be resolved.