Thinking of spending that next vacation on the moon or Mars or circling the Earth?
Before liftoff, there is a list of things the would-be "space flight participant" should know.
More than 120 pages of proposed rules, released by the US government on Thursday, regulate the future of space tourism, touching on everything from passenger medical standards to preflight training.
Before embarking on an out-of-this-world trip, companies would be required to identify the risks to the "space flight participant," known in more earthly settings as a passenger, of the potential risks. Passengers also would be required to provide written consent before boarding a vehicle set for takeoff.
Legislation signed a year ago by US President George W. Bush designed to help the space industry flourish at the outset without undue government interference prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from issuing safety regulations for passengers and crew for eight years, unless specific design features or operating practices cause a serious or fatal injury.
"This means that the FAA has to wait for harm to occur -- or almost occur -- before it can impose restrictions, even against foreseeable harm," the proposal says. "Instead, Congress requires that space flight participants be informed of the risks."
The proposal released on Thursday sets requirements for crew qualifications and training, and establishes training and informed consent procedures for passengers. It does not outline requirements for the vehicles themselves.
Although physical examinations for passengers will be recommended, they will not be compulsory "unless a clear public safety need is identified," the FAA says in the proposed regulations.
Passengers would also have to be trained in how to respond during emergencies as well as knowing how to evacuate the vehicle safely.
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