NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 8715.26 Effective Date: February 03, 2022 Expiration Date: February 03, 2027

Subject: Nuclear Flight Safety

Responsible Office: Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

Chapter 1. Overview

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 This directive implements Federal requirements under NSPM-20, “Presidential Memorandum on Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems,” dated August 20, 2019. NSPM-20 updates the Federal process for the launch of SNS to “ensure a rigorous, risk informed safety analysis and launch authorization process.” This directive also incorporates NASA’s responsibilities under the authorities of other agencies involved in the launch of SNS or radioactive material, the National Response Framework, and the U.S.’s international commitments.

1.1.2 Procedures and levels of review and analysis required for nuclear launch and reentry authorization or concurrence vary with the quantity and form of material planned for use, as well as with the potential radiological risk (e.g., human health exposures, impacts on land use, or impacts on property use). In the context of this document, reentry or planned return to Earth refers to intended portions of the spaceflight and is addressed in the authorization or concurrence process. By contrast, unplanned reentry (referring to an unintended event) is addressed in the safety analysis and RCP processes.

1.2 Delegation of Responsibilities

1.2.1 Unless specifically prohibited, responsibilities and requirements may be delegated. The stated role or actor remains accountable for its implementation and outcome.

1.2.2 Where an office or organization is stated as the actor of a requirement, the Official in Charge of that office or organization is responsible and accountable for the action and its outcome.

1.3 General Terms

Definitions for general terms, such as “A2 mission multiple” and “space nuclear system” are provided in Appendix A.

1.4 Request for Relief

1.4.1 For additional information on the defined process for requesting and granting relief from requirements within this directive and standards incorporated by reference herein, see NPR 8715.3. The Chief, SMA is the Approving Authority for requests for relief to the requirements in this directive.

1.4.2 For NASA missions, non-conformances with Federal nuclear launch authorization direction in NSPM-20 or other applicable regulatory-agency requirements will be elevated to the Administrator. The Administrator, Chief, SMA, and Chief Health and Medical Officer (CHMO) would make such determinations in consideration of applicable National Space Policy and the responsibilities defined in NPD 8700.1 with regards to consent to human safety and property risk on behalf of the general public.

1.4.3 For NASA missions, non-conformances with NSPM-20 requirements will be formally communicated to the Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

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