2019•Advances in public policy and administration (APPA) book seriesRequires access
Suborbital Spaceflight
Yuri Takaya-Umehara
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Abstract
The chapter outlines the legal aspects of suborbital spaceflight under international law with the aim of clarifying upcoming legal challenges to the existing space treaties. One of major problems lies in the applicability of air law to the spaceflight. In the case of using aircraft-type reusable launch vehicle (RLV), it fits into the definition of aircraft in air law. The other problems are also addressed, which include the different legal status of airspace and outer space, the lack of specific concepts and terms related the flights in the existing space treaties, and a need for international regulation to ensure safety in the flights. It concludes with recommendations for the present space traffic management.