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Have people seen this?
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spac … SKCN10E1D3
It's got huge implications I think.
I have always thought that as Space X made real progress towards a Mars Mission we would see more governmental and UN intervention.
It now seems the FAA have by fiat laid down a procedure to regulate private enterprise in space:
To address the conundrum, the FAA, which already exercises jurisdiction over commercial rocket launches in the United States, led an interagency review of the Moon Express proposal, which included steps the company would take to ensure compliance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
“It’s been a very steep mountain,” Richards [from Moon Express] said in a telephone interview. “We had to lay the track at the same time that we wanted to do the mission.”
Other companies are expected to soon follow the same framework.
So it looks like if Musk wants to launch from the USA or keep Space X as an American company he is going to have to jump through the FAA hoops. What they will be in relation to Mars is anyone's guess but there is a strong lobby against human missions to Mars (with a lot of influence at the UN) which of course will be getting financial backing from Space X's (many) rivals in the space industry.
Let's Go to Mars...Google on: Fast Track to Mars blogspot.com
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First step is to simply declare the 1967 Outer Space Treaty null and void. In effect, it's unenforceable by the US against other countries which have viable space launch capabilities. Today we have Russia, the EU including France/Germany, India, China, and Japan with significant capabilities. All other than Japan have significant Nuclear armament capabilities.
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I think it's possible to have an effective colonisation programme on Mars within the terms of the OST but it all depends on interpretation and my concern is that there are lobbies that oppose Space X's plans and may try to use the FAA process as a block.
First step is to simply declare the 1967 Outer Space Treaty null and void. In effect, it's unenforceable by the US against other countries which have viable space launch capabilities. Today we have Russia, the EU including France/Germany, India, China, and Japan with significant capabilities. All other than Japan have significant Nuclear armament capabilities.
Let's Go to Mars...Google on: Fast Track to Mars blogspot.com
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I do agree with Oldfart1939 that the OST might have to be significantly amended, if not outright abrogated, in order for meaningful settlement and colonization to occur (at least the Moon Treaty was never effectively ratified). In any case SpaceX might have to relocate to an offshore country for legal purposes if the US Government obstructs it.
The Earth is the cradle of the mind, but one cannot live in a cradle forever. -Paraphrased from Tsiolkovsky
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I can't see any chance of there being any agreement on an OST revision at this stage as countries are starting to see the huge commercial prospects of space, whilst on the other hand science lobbies will be looking to impose Antarctica-style rules on space exploration.
I do agree with Oldfart1939 that the OST might have to be significantly amended, if not outright abrogated, in order for meaningful settlement and colonization to occur (at least the Moon Treaty was never effectively ratified). In any case SpaceX might have to relocate to an offshore country for legal purposes if the US Government obstructs it.
Let's Go to Mars...Google on: Fast Track to Mars blogspot.com
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The shutdown did cause some issues for launches...But valid ones did continue to launch.
Shutdown delays proposed revisions to launch licensing regulations
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Here's another topic that is due for a refresh...
The report below is from an article on the closeout of the FAA review of a recent SpaceX launch/test flight.
"The FAA provided oversight of the SN9 mishap investigation conducted by SpaceX. The SN9 vehicle failed within the bounds of the FAA safety analysis," the statement continued. "Its unsuccessful landing and explosion did not endanger the public or property. All debris was contained within the designated hazard area. The FAA approved the final mishap report, including the probable causes and corrective actions."
It is good to see this outcome of a collaboration between an entrepreneur who does NOT want to be regulated, and the regulators who do NOT want to slow him down any more than absolutely necessary.
(th)
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Good to know as SN 10 is being readied for engine testing....
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