Ensuring the Safety of Commercial Human Spaceflights

Abstract:     
Private enterprises offering commercial human spaceflights to the public and government agencies on a flexible and regular basis are forthcoming. An unavoidable issue which shall challenge every commercial actor and must reasonably be discharge is the safety and reliability of their space vehicles. Assuring the safety of their spacecrafts is such a critical component to preserve the future existence and maturity of the private space sector. This article shall identify and discuss on safety requirements designed and implemented by NASA which potentially could apply to selected commercial actors to take over the Agency’s operations in Low Earth Orbit. Commentary on US federal regulations, the Commercial Space Launch Amendment Act of 2004 as promulgated with the FAA’s measures, governing commercial space travel offer to the public shall follow. This article shall evaluate the adequacy of these legal regimes to address and mitigate the concerns about the safety and reliability about forthcoming commercial human spaceflights and yet nurture the infant growth of that market.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 14

Keywords: American Space Law, Commercial Human Spaceflight, Safety, Commercial Space Sector, Augustine Committee, Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, NASA, NPR 8702.2B, Commercial Space Launch Amendment Act of 2004, FAA, 14 C.F.R. §460.9

JEL Classification: K19, K39

Accepted Paper Series