Managing tort liability risks in the era of the Space Shuttle

A new section, named section 308 on 'Insurance and Indemnification', that was added to the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, is discussed. The reasons behind the NASA proposed section are examined, and its various provisions mentioned, as well as outlining the steps needed to implement these provisions. Attention is given to the tort liability risks and to the various costs that NASA would need to cover in case of liability for death, bodily harm, or damage to property resulting from activities carried on in connection with the landing, operations or recovery of the Space Shuttle. The entire section and its six subsections are presented in two appendices.