Liability of Space Transport Carriers and Tourism Operators to Passengers, Cargo and Third Parties
- Paper number
IAC-06-E3.4.02
- Author
Mr. Ricky J. Lee, Ricky J. Lee & Associates, Australia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The development of a space passenger transport and space tourism sector, catalysed by the creation of the Ansari X Prize and various associated commercial ventures, has put the focus of some legal and policy commentators on the issue of liability for such operations for loss, injury or damage to passengers, cargo and to third parties. While applicable limitation of liability schemes exist for maritime transport and air transport, no such scheme yet exist for space transport, nor has one been proposed and considered by the international community. The clarification of such issues would increase confidence in the emerging sector as well as to reduce compliance and insurance costs. This paper identifies the legal and policy requirements to give certainty to the issue of liability on the part of space transport carriers and tourism operators, particularly on passenger liability, cargo liability and loss or damage suffered by third parties. The paper then attempts to compare the needs of the space transport sector with the liability schemes presently in place in air law and maritime law. Finally, the paper concludes by making some suggestions as to appropriate approaches for liability in the new commercial space transport sector.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E3.4.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.