Albuquerque, New Mexico: Spaceport America has been urging legislators to limit potential lawsuits from wealthy outer space tourists who take off from New Mexico, saying such a bill is crucial to the future of the project.
Business | General
Spaceport wants protections from tourist lawsuits
Liability aimed at spaceflights like those planned by Virgin Galactic
- AP
- Published: 17:08 January 5, 2013
At issue is liability for passengers who pay to take spaceflights like those planned by Virgin Galactic for $200,000 a head.
New Mexico lawmakers several years ago passed a bill that exempts Virgin Galactic from being sued by passengers. Officials have refused, however, to follow other states in expanding that exemption to suppliers.
Experts, meanwhile, say there is no way to know if the so-called informed consent laws will actually offer protection in the event of an accident because there is no precedent.
The spaceport project was intended to boost the economy in mostly rural New Mexico.
More from Business General
More from Business
Business Editor's choice
-
Sanctions-hit SyrianAir booked out
Carrier operating at full capacity as civil war makes road travel perilous
-
Abu Dhabi retailers bang on mall doors
Rental surge accompanies mall developments and expansions in the UAE capital
-
FlyDubai ‘record profits’ promised by chief
Gaith Al Gaith vows airline will exceed last year’s performance