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Private commercial space tourism carrying passengers to outer space is no longer a distant or far-fetched fantasy, rather it is at verge of becoming an affordable reality with exponential development in space technology including development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), increasing involvement of private companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, Blue Origin etc. into research and funding of space tourism explorations and applications. It is also receiving huge attention from the public. These developments reflect the infinite possibilities and inevitability of space tourism in near future. However, space tourism may also pose many critical legal issues which must be addressed to ensure the consistent and sustainable development of space tourism, and to secure the rights of all stakeholders involved including operators, passengers, launching State etc. The research paper would highlight the crucial legal issues associated with the space tourism. The paper would critically analyze the efficiency of the present international space treaties in dealing with these issues. At the end, the paper would also attempt to provide few suggestions and solutions to these legal conundrums relating to space tourism. • Commercial space tourism • Legal framework governing space tourism • Sustainable development of outer space • Space tourism and international law [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: While successfully and regularly operating the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle since 3 years, Arianespace continues to work to improve its Service & Solutions offer following three main axes: a continuous effort towards the improvement of manufacturing and operational processes, the preparation of a new batch order of launch vehicles to industry, and its participation in the preparation of ESA programs that will be proposed to ESA Council meeting at ministerial level in November 2008. While focusing on Ariane 5 activities, the paper will describe how Arianespace is getting ready to operate the European family of launch vehicles. [1.] Recent flights results In this first part, the paper will describe the results of the Ariane 5 flights performed over the last 12 months. It will address Ariane 5 ECA flights and also the first Ariane 5 ES flight for the European ATV mission. The major launch campaign and flight events will be presented with subsequent discussions. [2.] Ariane 5 program drivers After a brief description of the expected launch services demand for the next years, the paper will discuss the Ariane 5 production programs drivers and more specifically: [•] the continuous quality improvement process implemented to ensure regular Ariane 5 operations: configuration stabilization, enlargement of the launcher qualification domain, manufacturing and preparation operations review with the objective to smooth operational processes and control the risks and non-conformance number and [•] the main characteristics of the next batch order in preparation with the European Industry. Arianespace will order 35 launchers delivered ready for launch in the coming years. It takes into account an increased production rate and the industrialisation process implementation. [3.] Next steps In parallel with the development of Ariane 5 ECA activities, the main challenge for Arianespace for the next years is its transformation as an operator of a family of launchers. The paper will describe the preparation of exploitation of Vega and Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in synergy with Ariane 5. The paper will finally present the Arianespace approach for future European programs expected to be decided for the coming years in Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Astronautical and Rocket Society of Celje (ARSC — Astronavticˇno in raketno drusˇtvo Celje) Slovenia has been involved in experimental programs for students and adults since early in 1962 when the early maned space flight inspired many young people.In the history of ARSC (1962–1999) many project undergone the period 37 years, but one is significant; the PROJECT MULTISTAGE ROCKETS VEGA. The present paper contains chronological and systematical presentation of most rockets, launching and static tests undergone during the period of 1965–1968. VEGA - III - C launching was viewed by some of 500 participants of XVIII International Astronautic Federation Congress, which was held in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia at that time.Project VEGA, whose main objecture was solid fuel ≫micrograne≪ motor of 100 mm to 160 mm diameter improvements and interconnecting motors in parallel spree and sequentially in stages has been completed with rocket VEGA - IV. This rocket has never been launched and it is still in storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Hopper, a concept for a reusable launch system was developed and found attractive in the frame of FESTIP, ESA''s Furure European Space Transportation Initiation Programme Later, in the national German ASTRA programme this concept was adapted to newly emerged requirement and subjected to a detailed design loop. Taking off horizontally and staging at high sub-orbital velocity, the Hopper needs a rail-guided launch sled, downrange landing, re-transportation back to the launch site, and one, but only one upper stage. Horizontal take-off is used to improve safety and to reduce thrust requirement, and number, mass, and cost of main engines, and also problems with vehicle centering. Transportang of the cargo (e.g.) payload and expendable upper stage) in the RLV results in only one aerodynamically affected flight configuration. Staging at high sub-orbital velocity above the sensible atmosphere enables the use of only one standardised upper stage for all missions. Using a cryogenic upper stage the Hopper system is nearly optimally staged for the dimensioning GTO mission. The paper describes the consolidated unmaanned RLV concept and highlights areas of special interest, evolution potential, and further steps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]