Space Safety Regulations and Standards

Introduction to space safety regulations and standards

Joseph N. Pelton ^∗, Ram S. Jakhu ^†

^∗Former Dean, International Space University

^†Associate Professor, Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University

Introduction

The term “space safety”, as applied throughout this book, is quite broad. It includes the protection of human life and/or spacecraft during all phases of a space mission, regardless of whether this is a “manned” or “unmanned” activity. The concept of space safety covers:

• all aspects from pre-launch, launch, orbital or sub-orbital operations, through re-entry and landing;

• the protection of ground and flight facilities and surrounding population and buildings in proximity to launch sites; and

• the protection of space-based ...