US claims right to set new space tourism regulations globally

[Jared Moya]

Washington claims right to regulate suborbital launches made by US companies anywhere around the world

US persons or organisations operating suborbital test flights outside the USA will still have to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration permit, according to newly proposed rules. This is because, under existing international treaties, governments are responsible for launches made by their citizens or legal entities beyond their own borders.

The FAA’s commercial space transport office published the notice of proposed rulemaking on experimental permits for reusable suborbital vehicles at the end of March and interested parties have 60 days to respond. The US agency hopes the new rules will become regulations by the end of 2006.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singaporean governments have announced agreements with US firm Space Adventures to operate its Explorer air-launched suborbital vehicle from spaceports under construction in the two countries. “Space Adventures has not come to us yet for a licence,” says George Nield, FAA deputy associate administrator for commercial space transportation.

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[charlesmelissa]

Government B.S. They just want to keep us Earthbound while they control Space. Google "Blackstar" to read about a space plane the US government is retireing because they have a newer one. And all I have is a Honda!!!