Florida has recently passed a bill aimed at providing legal protection to billionaire owners of space companies in the event of accidents resulting in injury or death to passengers or crew members. Under the bill, passengers will be required to sign a waiver prior to boarding a spaceship, acknowledging and accepting the risks associated with spaceflight.
The legislation recognizes the evolving landscape of spaceflight, with commercial companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin playing a prominent role in the industry. The bill aims to limit the potential costs of litigation for these private space companies engaging in spaceflight activities.
However, it’s important to note that the bill does not shield the companies from all responsibilities. It specifically states that companies will still be held liable in cases of gross negligence, if they were aware of dangerous conditions or intentionally caused harm to a crew member. In such instances, the legal validity of the bill may be subject to scrutiny in court.
The need for this legislation arises from the rapid growth of space tourism, with wealthy individuals and civilians embarking on space travel adventures. There is a concern that the estates of ultra-wealthy passengers could bring significant claims seeking compensation for lost revenue resulting from the premature termination of a passenger’s life.
By enacting this bill, Florida aims to protect the budding space tourism industry and prevent potential claims that could hinder its progress. It acknowledges the early stages of the industry and the importance of creating a legal framework to address liability issues. Notable figures like Yusaku Maezawa, a Japanese fashion mogul who has already visited the International Space Station, have contributed to the rise of space tourism by booking seats on upcoming SpaceX Starship flights, including a planned trip around the moon.
[Story by mguenot@businessinsider.com (Marianne Guenot)]
