Domestic Insurance and Licensing Requirements for Private Launch Services: A Comparative Guide
- Paper number
IAC-05-D2.2.07
- Author
Mr. Ricky J. Lee, Ricky J. Lee & Associates, Australia
- Year
2005
- Abstract
One fundamental concern of any commercial launch service would likely be liability. From the very beginnings of international space law, it has been recognised that States would have to accept international liability for any damage or injury they cause to third parties through the conduct of space activities. This is partly because space activities have been regarded by the international community as being inherently risky and dangerous and, consequently, third parties should be protected from any injury, loss or damage suffered as a result of the conduct of activities in outer space. The privatisation and commercialisation of space activities in recent decades have prompted several States to pass on their international liability for private space activities to the launch operators. In order to comprehensively assess the liability régime applicable to private space activities, it is necessary not only to consider the international treaties but also the relevant domestic legislation concerning space activities and their liability and insurance provisions. Most of the existing domestic legislation in force concerning private space activities imposes some regime of indemnification in order to transfer the liability risk from the government to the private operators. This paper details and compares the insurance requirements and other domestic regulatory requirements dealing with international responsibility and liability for private and commercial launch services.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D2.2.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.