Regulation of Commercial Human Spaceflights: International and National Legal Perspectives

This book analyzes emerging legal and regulatory challenges surrounding commercial human spaceflights (CHSs). It addresses unique questions raised by human presence in outer space that distinguish CHSs from other commercial space activities. Discussing a rapidly growing sector in the space economy, this volume: • Compares regulatory approaches in major spacefaring nations, including Russia, the United States of America, China, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and India, to evaluate how existing international space treaties adapt to private sector human spaceflight activities while identifying significant gaps in current frameworks. • Analyzes fundamental issues such as the legal status of space tourists versus astronauts, liability mechanisms, insurance requirements, training and selection standards, and the interplay between international space law and domestic regulations. • Critically examines India’s space governance, its regulatory landscape, and the future of its CHS policies. • Offers theoretical insights and practical recommendations for future law-making at both international and domestic levels. Accessibly written, this volume is an essential resource for scholars, researchers, legal practitioners, policymakers, space industry professionals, and students exploring the intersection of space law, regulatory affairs, and the expanding commercial space tourism industry. It will be of great interest to scholars and researchers in international law, space policy, public policy, aerospace studies, and regulatory studies, as well as to space industry professionals navigating compliance requirements in international space law, commercial aerospace regulation, emerging technology governance, and comparative legal systems.