HumanRightsSpace tourism has become a hot topic with SpaceX, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin making available space travel to anyone – at least to those who can afford the ticket price. This session will explore the legal challenges coming with this development and will focus on three aspects:

Insurance and liability – these are essential issues for anyone going on a space tour. One of the questions is about the status of space tourists. Are they considered “astronauts”? Or should they have different status yet to be determined? Travel insurers have launched insurance propositions for space tourists. What are the main considerations for such insurances?

Intellectual property – If space tourists were to conduct research and experiments leading to the development of new products, technologies etc. intellectual property rights may become an issue. Providing protection for intellectual property rights arising out of space activities will be essential in the further development of space travel and exploration. What are possible approaches to protect Intellectual Property Rights in space activities?

Human Rights and Code of Ethics – The UN World Tourism Organization developed a Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. This is a set of principles designed to guide key-players in tourism development to work towards minimizing potentially negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and societies. Should there be a Code of Ethics for space tourism? What are the potential negative effects of space tourism requiring such a Code?