1. Any State launching a space object with nuclear power sources on board shall in a timely fashion inform States concerned in the event this space object is malfunctioning with a risk of re-entry of radioactive materials to the Earth. The information shall be in accordance with the following format:

(a) System parameters:
    (i) Name of launching State or States, including the address of the authority which may be contacted for additional information or assistance in case of accident;
    (ii) International designation;
    (iii) Date and territory or location of launch;
    (iv) Information required for best prediction of orbit lifetime, trajectory and impact region;
    (v) General function of spacecraft;

(b) Information on the radiological risk of nuclear power source(s):
    (i) Type of nuclear power source: radioisotopic/reactor;
    (ii) The probable physical form, amount and general radiological characteristics of the fuel and contaminated and/or activated components likely to reach the ground. The term “fuel” refers to the nuclear material used as the source of heat or power.

This information shall also be transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

2. The information, in accordance with the format above, shall be provided by the launching State as soon as the malfunction has become known. It shall be updated as frequently as practicable and the frequency of dissemination of the updated information shall increase as the anticipated time of re-entry into the dense layers of the Earth’s atmosphere approaches so that the international community will be informed of the situation and will have sufficient time to plan for any national response activities deemed necessary.

3. The updated information shall also be transmitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations with the same frequency.

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