Nuclear Powered Satellites: The U.S.S.R. Cosmos 954 and the Canadian Claim

“On January 24, 1978 the Soviet satellite, Cosmos 954, fell from outer space and entered Canada\u27s airspace. The component parts of this nuclear powered satellite disintegrated and scattered radioactive debris over northwest Canada in an area the size of Austria. Fear of a nuclear explosion and unknown hazards to the environment evoked worldwide alarm. This incident set in motion a variety of studies analyzing one of the most unique multidisciplinary problems created by the use and exploration of outer space. These continuing studies of nuclear power for satellites will lead to decisions of global significance. There is an opportunity to contribute to the assessments which are in progress and are likely to become the basis for decisions in the future.