In 2001, the details of space tourism, which is officially included in our lives with the Russian space agency Roscosmos, become clear. According to Elon Musk’s statements, SpaceX will start traveling to space in 2023. Companies have been competing with each other for a long time. However, this race has already started to create many question marks in the minds. What about people who have died in space before? Or as a tourist, the answers to the questions of what happens if you die in space tourism are in the continuation of our news.
What happens if you die during space tourism?
Many companies are competing with each other to pioneer space tourism. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are among the companies that stand out in this race. As the subject of humanity’s visit to space came to the fore frequently, the question “What will happen if I die in space” began to come to mind.
Under international space law, countries are responsible for authorizing and supervising national space activities of all public and private flights. If a tourist dies during space tourism, the cause of death must first be determined. If the tourist’s death was caused by a mechanical failure in the spacecraft, the Federal Aviation Administration may halt the company’s further spacecraft launches pending an investigation. As of now, it is estimated that the process will proceed with the legal system in the world, since there are no such comprehensive articles in space law.
In 2003, 7 astronauts died in the crash of the Space Shuttle Columbia. 6 American and 1 Israeli astronauts performed this flight, which was delayed 18 times. However, the space shuttle broke up on its way back to Earth and all 7 astronauts on board died. Deep research has been done on this flight. Since then, it has been decided that there should be a procedure for the space tourist.
Although the time spent in space is currently limited to a few days, this does not mean that the risk of death is not impossible. Most of the procedures for investigations into space tourists can be taken from Earth. However, before these touristic space travels can begin, a common agreement must be reached. Since tourists from different countries can participate, legal complications may occur in the future.
For example, the bodies of space tourists can be returned to Earth on short-duration missions. However, since this will not be possible on long journeys, methods such as freezing the body can be used. Although there are no phrases related to space tourism in space law yet, it is obvious that an agreement will be made on these in the near future.
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