FAA Mandates Risk Waivers for Space Tourists' Cosmic Rides
Published Date: 6/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA is rolling out new rules to make sure space crew and passengers get clear, written info about the risks of space flights before they blast off. Operators must explain the safety record and let participants ask questions, then get their written OK to join the mission. This keeps space travel safer and more transparent, with public feedback open now before the rules go live.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Must disclose no government safety certification
If you are crew or a space flight participant, the operator must give you a written notice saying the U.S. Government has not certified the launch or reentry vehicle as safe, per 14 CFR Sec. 460.9 and Sec. 460.45. Operators must give this written disclosure to each crew member and space flight participant before a launch or reentry.
Written risk and safety‑record disclosure required
You must be given a written explanation of the risks of launch and reentry, including the safety record for the vehicle type, before participating in a commercial spaceflight. The Draft Advisory Circular references meeting informed consent under 14 CFR Sec. 460.9 and Sec. 460.45.
Operators must offer oral Q&A about risks
Operators must give space flight participants an opportunity to ask questions orally so they can better understand hazards and risks before a launch or reentry. This oral question-and-answer opportunity is part of the informed consent guidance in the Draft Advisory Circular.
Written consent required from participants
You must give written consent to participate in a commercial launch or reentry under the guidance for 14 CFR Sec. 460.45. The Draft Advisory Circular directs operators to obtain each space flight participant's written agreement to participate after providing the required disclosures and answering questions.
Compliance burden on commercial operators
Commercial space operators will need to provide written disclosures, document opportunities for oral questions, and obtain written consent from each crew member and space flight participant to meet the Draft Advisory Circular guidance for 14 CFR Sec. 460.9 and Sec. 460.45. These steps are required before launches and reentries.
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