The advent of a new era of commercial space tourism and associated legal issues
- Paper number
IAC-09.E8.4.3
- Author
Dr. Atsuyo Ito, Japan
- Year
2009
- Abstract
Space tourism has seen a rapid growth in the last few years particularly in the area of the development of suborbital aerospace planes by private entities. A considerable number of people have signed up for space trips planned to be initiated in next two years. As the technology and environment to realize the space tourism has advanced, the need for establishing a legal framework became pressing. The rules need to be set so as to establish a balance between the protection of this infant industry and regulation of its activity. US has taken a lead in formulating rules applicable to space flight participants and crews, however, the legal regime governing space flight is not yet sufficient. Loopholes and uncertainties exist as to the principle of informed consent, cross waiver of liability amongst stakeholders of the commercial space flight, as well as contractual aspects of an agreement between the operator and the space flight participant. These issues may become sources of disputes and hence need to be better addressed. The paper first examines the reality of space tourism, discusses its legal framework and then examines the key issues that need further clarification and elaboration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-09.E8.4.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.