Moon Express Gets FAA Approval For Lunar Mission In 2017 (networkworld.com)

coondoggie quotes a report from Network World: The Federal Aviation Administration this week granted permission to a privately-held space firm to launch a robotic spacecraft to the moon. Moon Express expects to launch its MX-1 spacecraft on a two-week mission to the lunar surface in 2017. The MX-1, which is about as large as a suitcase will include instruments and a camera to explore the moon's surface. Moon Express has a contract with Rocket Lab USA for 3 lunar missions between 2017 and 2020. They are the first private company to receive permission to go to the moon. "Moon Express applauds efforts underway by the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch to establish a permanent regulatory framework to authorize commercial activities beyond Earth orbit," said Moon Express cofounder and CEO Bob Richards. "Our 'Mission Approval' process is an interim arrangement that can be implemented quickly enough for our 2017 launch requirements, allowing us to continue to execute on our business plans under U.S. law while ensuring our activities are consistent with U.S. obligations under the Outer Space Treaty."

Comments

Re: Power to them

[thesupraman]

My god were you actually drunk when you wrote that.. Or just that stupid? Quite impressive really.

Anyway.. Just dropped by to point out.. Rocket lab USA is actually a New Zealand company using a launch system developed in New Zealand.

It's not just hobbits down there..

permission to go to the moon?

[Anonymous Coward]

The Outer Space Treaty states that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means. The Treaty establishes the exploration and use of outer space as the "province of all mankind."

Re:permission to go to the moon?

[Anonymous Coward]

Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty requires, in relevant part, that “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.”

So Americans require American government clearance, the British would need British government clearance etc.

I agree the confusing wording makes it look like the US has assumed authority over the moon.

Re: Power to them

[erktrek]

According to their site they are a US company with a NZ subsidiary.

https://rocketlabusa.com/about...

So would likely need US approval.. just sayin..

Re: Power to them

[K. S. Kyosuke]

Maybe because it's because

Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty deals with international responsibility, stating that "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" and that States Parties shall bear international responsibility for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities.

? (As per Wikipedia...)