Full Version: Space tourism guidelines
Gov't Releases Proposed Space Tourism Rules
I admit at first i was ready to be upset about our government getting their hands all over something that hasn't even had the chance to start growing.
kill it in its infancy.
However at first glance it seems designed to allow the industry to get off the ground so to speak. For a government set of guidelines it even seems somewhat even handed or even open handed. Several of the preliminary ideas are guideline only and seem designed to help the industry elude layers intent on making a buck with frivolous and weak law suits.
WOW! I have to give credit to President Bush for something.
"This means that the FAA has to wait for harm to occur or almost occur before it can impose restrictions, even against foreseeable harm," the proposal says. "Instead, Congress requires that space flight participants be informed of the risks."
Can you hear the sound of screaming lawyers already?
I myself wonder just how long the loose restriction can survive all the extra lawyers looking for either their niche in the field of law or just the cash bonanza future lawsuits from this industry could be.
Is this the right direction for our government to go with this new industry? Do you support leaving things open and only adding restrictions when serious problems appear?
OR
Do you support heavier regulation? Why and what sort?
I admit at first i was ready to be upset about our government getting their hands all over something that hasn't even had the chance to start growing.
kill it in its infancy.
However at first glance it seems designed to allow the industry to get off the ground so to speak. For a government set of guidelines it even seems somewhat even handed or even open handed. Several of the preliminary ideas are guideline only and seem designed to help the industry elude layers intent on making a buck with frivolous and weak law suits.
QUOTE
Legislation signed a year ago by
President Bush and designed to help the space industry flourish prohibits the
Federal Aviation Administration from issuing safety regulations for passengers and crew for eight years, unless specific design features or operating practices cause a serious or fatal injury.
President Bush and designed to help the space industry flourish prohibits the
Federal Aviation Administration from issuing safety regulations for passengers and crew for eight years, unless specific design features or operating practices cause a serious or fatal injury.
WOW! I have to give credit to President Bush for something.
QUOTE
"This means that the FAA has to wait for harm to occur or almost occur before it can impose restrictions, even against foreseeable harm," the proposal says. "Instead, Congress requires that space flight participants be informed of the risks."
Can you hear the sound of screaming lawyers already?
I myself wonder just how long the loose restriction can survive all the extra lawyers looking for either their niche in the field of law or just the cash bonanza future lawsuits from this industry could be.Is this the right direction for our government to go with this new industry? Do you support leaving things open and only adding restrictions when serious problems appear?
OR
Do you support heavier regulation? Why and what sort?
Is this the right direction for our government to go with this new industry? Do you support leaving things open and only adding restrictions when serious problems appear? If you want to fly into space, you should be ready to die, period. I don't think people should be able to sue if the space shuttle was made out of cotton candy and the pilot was trying to do loop-d-loops.
What the policy should be for "space tourism" should be similar to climbing a tall mountain or dangerous spelunking. Whoever helps you to climb Mount Everest or explore the cave usually has no liability if you are injured or killed. 5% of people die in space, 9% of people who attempt to climb Mount Everest die. It's similar.
But in any case there shouldn't be any space tourism until we solve a few things on planet earth.
What the policy should be for "space tourism" should be similar to climbing a tall mountain or dangerous spelunking. Whoever helps you to climb Mount Everest or explore the cave usually has no liability if you are injured or killed. 5% of people die in space, 9% of people who attempt to climb Mount Everest die. It's similar.
But in any case there shouldn't be any space tourism until we solve a few things on planet earth.
Pretty theoretical stuff, but what the heck . . .
I suppose this would fall in the category of activities that are inherently dangerous. I would imagine that all space tourists would have to sign waivers. (Maybe this would change in the extreme far future, if space travel ever becomes routine.)
If it can be proved that the people manufacturing the spacecraft or operating it were negligent in providing for a basic level of safety, then a lawsuit might be appropriate. However, it seems the burden of proof would be on the person hurt or her survivors.
Probably a good rule of thumb for all lawsuits involving dangerous activities. There should not be a general ban on such lawsuits, but they should require proof of negligence beyond the inherent danger of the activity.
I suppose this would fall in the category of activities that are inherently dangerous. I would imagine that all space tourists would have to sign waivers. (Maybe this would change in the extreme far future, if space travel ever becomes routine.)
If it can be proved that the people manufacturing the spacecraft or operating it were negligent in providing for a basic level of safety, then a lawsuit might be appropriate. However, it seems the burden of proof would be on the person hurt or her survivors.
Probably a good rule of thumb for all lawsuits involving dangerous activities. There should not be a general ban on such lawsuits, but they should require proof of negligence beyond the inherent danger of the activity.
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