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Space tourism project under FAA review
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Posted on Apr 26 2006
The proposed space tourism project in the Northern Marianas is now under review by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Ports Authority acting executive director Reno Celis said his office has referred the matter to FAA’s Flight Standards Service.
“It’s under review by the Flight Standards. They’d review and see if we can operate it over here,” said Celis in a recent interview.
A Japanese space adventure company, Space Japan, submitted a proposal to CPA earlier this year to use Saipan and Tinian as possible flight stations.
“Space Japan needs Saipan and the airport of Tinian as an airport for a space experience flight. …Is establishment in the Saipan airport possible? What license is required?” asked a company representative in a Feb. 8, 2006, letter to CPA.
The proponent said it would mainly do sightseeing flights using jet fighters and a MIG.
Celis said that Japan Space representatives came to Saipan to meet with CPA.
“They want to station here. Basically, it’s a tourism project. They’re going to take interested tourists to space and back,” said Celis.
He said Space Japan proposes to fly up to 80,000 feet above the earth. Regular international flights usually fly up to 36,000 feet high.
Celis said the CPA board would act on the proposal if approved by the FAA.
Space Japan said that its business is the same as that of Space Adventures in the United States, which has pioneered space tourism.
