National Security Presidential Memorandum on the Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems
Issued 2019-08-20 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This memorandum updates the approval process for launching spacecraft that use nuclear power systems into space. Space nuclear systems include devices like radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which convert heat from radioactive materials into electricity, as well as nuclear fission reactors used for power and propulsion. These systems enable certain types of space missions that wouldn't be possible with solar panels or other conventional power sources.
The memorandum directs multiple federal agencies—including NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and others—to ensure that both government and commercial launches of spacecraft with nuclear systems follow rigorous safety procedures. It establishes specific numerical safety standards for how unlikely radiation exposure accidents must be during launch, with stricter requirements as the severity of potential exposure increases. The Department of Energy is tasked with maintaining the capability to develop and analyze the safety of these nuclear systems.
This action matters for anyone involved in space exploration or the space industry. It creates a framework intended to make nuclear-powered spacecraft a viable option for both government missions and commercial space activities while establishing transparent safety guidelines. The memorandum aims to balance enabling advanced space missions—which the document states are vital to U.S. leadership in space—with protecting public safety during launches.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This presidential memorandum ("National Security Presidential Memorandum on the Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems") provides direction to executive branch agencies. The stated purpose: "that safe application of space nuclear systems is a viable option for Federal Government and commercial space activities." Presidential memoranda function similarly to executive orders but are typically more narrow in scope, addressing specific agencies or implementation details. The President's authority to direct executive branch operations is grounded in Article II of the Constitution.
Memoranda are a routine administrative tool. They guide agencies on priorities, interpretation of statutes, and implementation procedures. As long as they operate within the bounds of existing law and respect congressional mandates, they are a standard exercise of presidential power that every modern administration has used.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 National Security Presidential Memorandum on the Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems August 20, 2019 National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM–20 Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Subject: Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Purpose. This memorandum updates the process for launches of spacecraft containing space nuclear systems. Space nuclear systems include radioisotope power systems (RPSs), such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and radioisotope heater units (RHUs), and fission reactors used for power and propulsion. The ability t