The integrated approach—Regulating private human spaceflight as space activity, aircraft operation, and high-risk adventure tourism

One of the overriding issues concerning private human spaceflight concerns how to properly regulate this specific new type of activity. Noting that in the discussion regarding regulation thereof usually the three distinct regimes of space law, air law and high-risk adventure tourism law are drawn upon to look for solutions, the present paper addresses the key elements of each of these approaches as they are to some extent already currently being applied and where, as a consequence, gaps and overlaps arise, as well as presents an effort to address the latter in a sensible, coherent, efficient and feasible manner.

► Key characteristics of private human spaceflight, esp. suborbital flights. ► Space law, air law and high adventure-tourism law as key analytical tools. ► Integrated approach for development of legal framework of private human spaceflight.