NUCLEARIZATION OF SPACE: LEGAL GAPS AND THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL SECURITY

This article investigates the increasing potential for the deployment of nuclear technologies in outer space and critically evaluates whether current international conventions are sufficient to prevent such militarization. With the rapid expansion of satellite defense systems, dual-use technologies, and nuclear-powered propulsion mechanisms, the traditional boundaries of space governance are being challenged. The paper revisits the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and related frameworks, assessing their relevance in addressing emerging threats such as orbital nuclear deterrence, autonomous weapons, and private sector involvement. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining political analysis, legal interpretation, and security studies, the research demonstrates that existing treaties lack enforceable mechanisms and adaptability to new technologies. The study concludes that a new International Space Security Accord (ISSA) is urgently needed to redefine norms for the peaceful use of space, ensuring stability, transparency, and collective responsibility among states