Potential Applications of Commercial Observation Satellite Imagery for the Verification of Declared and Undeclared Nuclear Production Facilities

An important way to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons is to control the production and use of fissile materials. The main international controls on fissile material are embodied in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Moreover, it can be expected that another important measure to control fissile material production will be the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). Both treaties need verification of declared and undeclared nuclear production facilities. Given the dramatic increase in commercial satellite imagery capabilities, this paper explains how commercial observation satellites could be effective in verification of nuclear production facilities such as plutonium production reactors and reprocessing and enrichment facilities. Based on analysis of the new released high resolution satellites images of nuclear production facilities, we conclude that the new generation of commercial observation satellites could play a valuable role in the verification of an FMCT and strengthening IAEA safeguards .