Originally published February 16 2006
Proposal covers the necessary information for space flight participants
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The federal government has released a 123-page proposal that provides rules for space tourists.
More than 120 pages of proposed rules (.pdf), released by the government Thursday, regulate the future of space tourism, touching on everything from passenger medical standards to preflight training.
Before taking a trip that literally is out of this world, companies would be required to inform the "space flight participant" -- known in more earthly settings as a passenger -- of the risks.
Legislation signed a year ago by President Bush and designed to help the space industry flourish at the outset without too much 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.
Physical exams for passengers are recommended, but will not be required, "unless a clear public safety need is identified," the FAA says in the proposed regulations.
Passengers also would have to be trained on how to respond during emergencies, including the loss of cabin pressure, fire and smoke, as well as how to get out of the vehicle safely.
Pilots, meanwhile, must have an FAA pilot certificate and be able to show that they know how to operate the vehicle.
Each crew member must have a medical certificate issued within a year of the flight, and their physical and mental state must "be sufficient to perform safety-related roles," the rules say.
In 2001, California businessman Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist when he rode a Russian Soyuz capsule to the international space station.
The 123-page proposal was published in the Federal Register, the government's daily publication of rules and regulations, and will be subject to public comment for 60 days, through Feb. 27.
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