空间核动力源的国际法律规制

空间核动力源的使用是满足人类深远太空探索任务动力源需求的必然选择。由于其本身固有的安全风险因素以及空间活动对地球的广泛影响,如何安全使用核动力源是国际社会需要共同面对的问题。目前,直接规范空间核动力源的国际文件只有1992年通过的《关于在外层空间使用核动力源的原则》以及2009年制定的《外层空间核动力源应用安全框架》。该两文件为空间核动力源的应用提供了所应遵循的一般原则和具体的技术性规范,对于备受关注的安全问题也提供了相应的安全标准。但是,它们都属于软法,即该两文件本身并不具有法律拘束力,在适用上缺乏强制性。从空间立法的发展模式来看,短时期内在空间核动力源领域缔结专门的国际条约不太现实,通过各类软法为各国提供自愿遵循的规范指引并由各国根据实际需求逐渐将其纳入到其国内法律规则体系中,逐步实现空间核动力源国际规则的统一不失为较好的折衷办法。

International Regulations on the Nuclear Power Source in Outer Space

The use of nuclear power sources in outer space is the inevitable choice to meet the needs for the explora -tion of deep space .Because of its inherent risk factors and the widespread influence of space activities on the Earth , how to use the nuclear power sources safely is a problem faced by the whole international community .At present , only two international instruments directly regulate the use of Nuclear Power Source in outer Space , namely the“Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space” adopted in 1992 , and the“Safety Framework for Nuclear Power Sources Applications in Outer Space” established in 2009 .These two instruments provide general principles and specific technical specifications as well as appropriate safety standards to be followed .However, both of them are con-sidered as soft law , which are not legally binding and enforceable .The possibility of forming a new space law treaty on Nuclear Power Sources seems very low for the moment , the recourse to some kind of soft law , such as Principles , Framework, or Code of conduct , is an interim positive and realistic solution .It can be a good way to harmonize na-tional laws and develop an international regime on the specific issue of NPS .