Flights that reach very high altitudes but do not enter Earth orbit are commonly known as ‘suborbital flights‘. It is not clear whether – from the legal perspective – they are space or aviation activities. In practice, they include scientific and research missions, and more recently also commercial applications, such as transportation services and flights with crews and passengers, often referred to as ‘space tourism’. These activities raise numerous legal questions, including registration, responsibility, liability and insurance as well as environmental protection.
This book contains perspectives on the applicable legal framework from experienced air and space law experts.