Rescuing Space Tourists: A Humanitarian Duty and Business Need
- Paper number
IAC-07-E6.2.12
- Author
Prof. Mark Sundahl, Cleveland State University, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The success of the fledgling space tourism industry will rely on the ability of space companies to ensure the safe return of tourists from their space adventure. The safety of space tourists will be greatly enhanced if both governments and private parties engage in cooperative efforts to rescue tourists in distress. Rescue may be required in a variety of situations. For example, rescue may be needed if a spacecraft splashes down unexpectedly in the high seas. Tourists may also need to be rescued if their spacecraft malfunctions while in orbit, thus leaving them stranded on board a ship that is unable to reenter the atmosphere safely. Tourists may even find themselves stranded in a space hotel. The tragic loss of a group of space tourists in any of these scenarios could set the space tourism industry back twenty years.
Although highly disturbing, these dangers are realistic and must be addressed beforehand in order to minimize the risks to tourists – as well as to safeguard the viability of the space tourism industry. This paper will address this issue by examining the four following questions: First, does the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space impose a duty to rescue space tourists? Second, does customary international law impose a duty to rescue? This inquiry into customary international law will explore maritime law and the ancient humanitarian duty imposed on governments and private parties to rescue sailors in distress. Third, should regulatory action be taken by governments to ensure rescue? And, finally, what contractual arrangements, or other measures, should space tourism companies undertake in order to provide for the rescue of their customers?
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E6.2.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.