Space Law

This webinar examines whether today's legal frameworks are ready for the rise of private human spaceflight and space tourism. It looks at three main issues:

Who counts as an "astronaut" now?
The session explores the legal differences between career astronauts and private space travelers, and why definitions matter for rights, protections, and international duties such as rescue obligations. Commercial passengers in space still sit in a largely undefined legal category.

How do we regulate risk and liability in private spaceflight?
With commercial flights inherently dangerous, the webinar questions whether current consent forms and risk disclosures are truly sufficient. It analyzes how states authorize private missions, what international responsibilities those authorizations create, and who is legally accountable when something goes wrong.

Is space really for everyone or only for the wealthy?
Finally, it asks whether space remains the "province of all humankind" or is turning into an exclusive arena for the ultra-rich. The discussion addresses principles meant to ensure fair access to space, the reality of growing inequality in who gets to fly, and whether international law can keep up with a sector increasingly driven by private capital and commercial interests.