European regulation for private human spaceflight in the context of space traffic management

During the past years several European actors emerged with plans to develop suborbital vehicles for private spaceflight and the establishment of European spaceports. The privatization and commercialization of space activities is therefore gaining momentum, illustrating that space is no longer a matter that belongs exclusively to States. Indeed, the market of private suborbital flights is on the verge of becoming a reality. In Europe, so far there is no regulation in place governing this new set of activities. However, regulation will be needed for safeguarding public interests as well as providing a sound and reliable basis for business decisions and investments. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.