WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR SPACE TOURISM?
Q: What is the current outlook for the commercial space tourism industry?
A: Space tourism is the concept of flying to space for recreation. Already, seven states, including Oklahoma, have a spaceport licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Oklahoma’s spaceport is operated by the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority and is licensed, among other things, to oversee the takeoff and landing of suborbital reusable launch vehicles. Spaceports like Oklahoma’s may be used to take the next step in space travel. Companies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, among others, are working toward making commercial space tourism a reality, and they are already selling seats. The prices can range between $100,000 to $250,000 per ticket. Your trip into space will most likely get you a ride beyond the Karmen Line, which is approximately 62 miles above the equator and is commonly considered the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. At this altitude, you will experience weightlessness and be able to view the vastness of space.
Q: What regulations are in place for space tourism?
A: Since space tourism is such a new industry, it is not yet subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as the commercial aviation industry. As opposed to when you fly aboard an airline, when you buy a ticket and travel to space you are not considered a passenger by the Federal Aviation Administration. Instead, the FAA classifies you as a spaceflight participant. Unlike commercial aviation, the FAA does not create rules and regulations for the safety of spaceflight participants onboard the spacecraft and the government does not certify the delivery method or the launch vehicle as safe. Under the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015, the FAA is required to refrain from creating rules and regulations relating to the onboard safety of spaceflight participants until Oct. 1, 2023. Until this time, private companies can continue to make commercial spaceflight a reality without the burden of government regulations.
Q: What does the lack of FAA regulation mean for passengers?
A: You will experience several things onboard a space vehicle that are very different from traditional air travel. The FAA’s lack of regular regulation means instead the FAA requires spaceflight operators to obtain the informed consent from spaceflight participants. This means the operator must disclose in writing to you the known and unknown risks for the activity and provide extensive information on the safety record of their space vehicles. Additionally, the spaceflight operator is required to train spaceflight participants to respond to emergency situations and be familiar with the safety features aboard the spacecraft. Contact a licensed attorney to learn more about your rights and protections when it comes to commercial space travel.