Deployment of Nuclear Power on the Moon

The United States has announced plans to deploy a small nuclear reactor on the moon by the early 2030s as part of its Lunar Fission Surface Power Project. This marks a potential new era in space exploration with a permanent nuclear power source beyond Earth's orbit. Solar energy, although useful, is limited by the moon's long nights and limited sunlight at the poles, necessitating nuclear power for sustained lunar and Martian activities.

Nuclear Power in Space Exploration

• Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs):
  • Used in Voyager spacecraft, converting the heat from plutonium-238 decay into electricity.
  • Provide a few hundred watts, insufficient for human habitats or industrial operations.
• Compact Fission Reactors:
  • Generate tens to hundreds of kilowatts, suitable for life support, laboratories, and manufacturing.
  • Needed for industrial operations like in-situ resource utilization on Mars, which require over 1 MW of power.

Technological Advances and Applications

• Nuclear Thermal Propulsion:
  • Propellant heated by nuclear decay, potentially shortening Mars trips and reducing cosmic ray exposure.
• Nuclear Electric Propulsion:
  • Uses reactor-generated electricity to ionize propellant for long-term efficient thrust in deep-space missions.

International Framework and Limitations

The international guidelines for nuclear power in space are based on the 1992 United Nations Principles (UNGA Resolution 47/68). These impose several safety obligations but have notable gaps:

• Key Principles:
  • No. 3: Prevent release of radioactive materials in all conditions.
  • No. 4: Conduct pre-launch safety analyses.
  • No. 7: Mandates emergency notification in case of malfunctions.
• Framework lacks binding technical standards and only partially covers RTGs and fission reactors intended for electricity generation, not propulsion systems.

Need for Updated Legal Framework

Existing treaties, like the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, offer incomplete coverage, lacking binding protocols for reactor safety and environmental protection in space. This could lead to nuclear contamination of celestial bodies, impacting pristine environments.

India's Strategic Position

• Potential for collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Atomic Energy to develop space reactors, demonstrating leadership in deep-space innovation.
• India can advocate for updating the UN's 1992 Principles to include propulsion reactors and establish binding safety and environmental protocols.

In conclusion, while technological advances in nuclear power for space offer promising opportunities, a coherent legal and ethical framework is essential to prevent conflict and ensure safe, responsible use. India can play a pivotal role in shaping these norms for a balanced and multipolar era.