Air & Space Law Norms Governing Space Transportation
- Paper number
IAC-07-E6.2.08
- Author
Dr. Paul Dempsey, McGill University, Canada
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The technology of space tourism eventually will be used to facilitate space transportation, sharply reducing transit time between the world's major cities. Over time, space transportation likely will eclipse space tourism in commercial importance. The international legal regime governing air transport on issues such as liability, navigation and air traffic control are well developed, and set forth in various Conventions and in Standards and Recommended Practices promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Various Space Law conventions and agreements also define legal rights and duties. Yet it is unclear whether space vehicles fall under established principles of Air Law, and if they do, whether these laws follow them into space. Indeed, it is unclear where the legal limits of Air Law expire, and the legal regime of Space Law begins. The purpose of this paper will be to identify the various legal rules that may be applicable, and opine as to which legal norms will govern space transportation. It shall also attempt to identify those areas of legal uncertainty, as legal uncertainty can inhibit commercial investment.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E6.2.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.