Outer Space Treaty
A framework treaty of international space law that sets out basic principles for activities in outer space, including peaceful use and a prohibition on nuclear weapons.
Timeline (last 90 days)
Nuclear-powered spaceflight involves launch accident risks, nuclear material controls, and coordination with international frameworks such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
The Outer Space Treaty does not explicitly prohibit anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) or offensive maneuvering spacecraft in orbit, and its definitions and restrictions on conventional weapons are unclear.
The Outer Space Treaty formally entered into force in 1967 and has currently been ratified by 111 countries
The core provisions of the Outer Space Treaty prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth orbit and beyond, but do not prohibit conventional weapons, directed-energy weapons, or electronic warfare capabilities from entering orbit
All Facts (4)
The Outer Space Treaty formally entered into force in 1967 and has currently been ratified by 111 countries
60%UnverifiedThe core provisions of the Outer Space Treaty prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth orbit and beyond, but do not prohibit conventional weapons, directed-energy weapons, or electronic warfare capabilities from entering orbit
60%UnverifiedNuclear-powered spaceflight involves launch accident risks, nuclear material controls, and coordination with international frameworks such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
50%UnverifiedThe Outer Space Treaty does not explicitly prohibit anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) or offensive maneuvering spacecraft in orbit, and its definitions and restrictions on conventional weapons are unclear.
50%