US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#1

Post by paulsutter » Sun, Jun 05, 2016, 11:25 PM UTC

US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission
wsj.com

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#2

Post by jesuslop » Sun, Jun 05, 2016, 11:43 PM UTC

hm why do they need permission?

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#3

Post by EdwardMSmith » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:24 AM UTC

jesuslop wrote: post #2

hm why do they need permission?

The article is paywalled, but if they are launching from a US Government owned launch facility, they would need permission to use it. They would also need US airspace approval as well. There are probably quite a few other regulations they would need to adhere to as well.

I would imagine it would be the same for any other country that has launch facilities as well.

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#4

Post by Overtonwindow » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:32 AM UTC

Paywall

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#5

Post by oddevan » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:44 AM UTC

jesuslop wrote: post #2

hm why do they need permission?

From the article (search the URL on Google to get around paywall), it sounds like the biggest hurdle is ensuring a private company complies with international treaties concerning space and the moon. They described it as a regulatory Catch-22 because there was no template, no precedent for a private company sending something past orbit.

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#6

Post by gpm » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:47 AM UTC

Overtonwindow wrote: post #4

Paywall

Click the web link, then click the first result. Going through google bypasses the paywall.

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#7

Post by kirrent » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:47 AM UTC

jesuslop wrote: post #2

hm why do they need permission?

Haven't read the article because of paywall but it's likely a requirement of the outer space treaty where the government is required to ensure conformity to the articles of the treaty by private entities.

Specifically, article VI requires - "the activities of non-governmental entities in outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall require authorization and continuing supervision by the appropriate State Party to the Treaty"

Interestingly I don't know of any established processes for monitoring the activities of companies in outer space apart from getting approval from the FAA. It's not really ever been a problem up 'til now.

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#8

Post by gkoberger » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 1:47 AM UTC

Here's a version without a paywall: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/first-commercial-mission-to...

(Alternatively, there's a "web" link on HN to bypass the WSJ paywall)

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#9

Post by awinter-py » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 2:24 AM UTC

guessing the '20 pound scientific payload' isn't a solar-powered 3d printer

Re: US Set to Approve Private Moon Mission

#10

Post by bunkydoo » Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 2:56 AM UTC

I really don't understand why SpaceX doesn't do the Moon. A Moon base relay is FAR more meaningful to our established presence in space, and a fallback location for global conflict.