THE IMPACT OF SPACE TOURISM ON THE INTERNATIONAL LAW OF OUTER SPACE

摘要

The successful 'launch' of SpaceShipOne from its mother plane White Knight in October 2004 followed by its second return journey in 7 days to an altitude of over 100 kilometres, demonstrated that the technology for short-term human suborbital flight had arrived. Entrepreneur Richard Branson subsequently announced plans to offer his Virgin Galactic passengers the opportunity of a 31/2 hour journey into space. There are reports that hundreds of people have already reserved a $200,000 seat on these flights, due to commence in 2008. Without doubt the prospect of commercial space tourism has begun to capture widespread imagination. Significant resources are being directed towards Reusable Launch Vehicle technology, vital for the development of the space tourism industry.2 Many companies are developing the capability for civilian suborbital tourist flights, as well as 'value-added' products designed to enhance the space tourism 'experience'.