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Smith, Lesley Jane --- "Taking a stance: managing liability for commercial space activities" [2017] ELECD 1649; in Wouters, Jan; De Man, Philip; Hansen, Rik (eds), "Commercial Uses of Space and Space Tourism" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2017) 19

Book Title: Commercial Uses of Space and Space Tourism

Editor(s): Wouters, Jan; De Man, Philip; Hansen, Rik

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781785361067

Section: Chapter 2

Section Title: Taking a stance: managing liability for commercial space activities

Author(s): Smith, Lesley Jane

Number of pages: 25

Abstract/Description:

This chapter focuses on the impact of sub-orbital flight on the existing air and space transport liability regimes. It discusses whether the future sub-orbital or orbital aircraft services, designed to deliver new forms of faster and further aerospace travel, can be pegged with existing aerospace liability regimes, or whether a new sui generis sector-specific approach to liability for this growth sector is needed. It reviews the regulatory options available at national and international level, identifies the importance of dialogue and consultation across the national licensing systems, and highlights some of the considerations involved in identifying the best possible approach to a liability regime for this sector. The technical considerations involved in certifying and licensing sub-orbital craft are not addressed. Keywords: sub-orbital flights; liability; licensing; aerospace transport