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

Posted by BeauHD on from the first-of-its-kind dept.

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."

12 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. "Moon Express"? by Edis+Krad · · Score: 2

    Seriously, they had "Planet Express" right there and they went with "Moon Express"?!

    1. Re:"Moon Express"? by Iamthecheese · · Score: 2

      It's the collateral damage of copyright trolls. Even if it's unlikely (and it may not be unlikely) Fox would sue for copyright violation a new company can't afford to take that risk. Chilling effects all around.

      --
      If video games influenced behavior the Pac Man generation would be eating pills and running away from their problems.
    2. Re:"Moon Express"? by DNS-and-BIND · · Score: 2

      Not every scientific project in the world has to give hipsters the giggles. I appreciate a name that's not a joke or a cheap pun.

      --
      Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
  2. Re: Power to them by thesupraman · · Score: 3, Informative

    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..

  3. permission to go to the moon? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    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."

    1. Re:permission to go to the moon? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      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.

    2. Re:permission to go to the moon? by rossdee · · Score: 2

      "The Treaty establishes the exploration and use of outer space as the "province of all mankind.":

      Yep, lets hope the aliens don't find out about that 'treaty', and come and destroy us for our impudence

  4. Re: Power to them by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

    However, unlike the rockets in most parts of the world, their rockets are flightless, and the engines are vestigial.

    --
    Fox: "I think we should call it... your grave!" Cast: "Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"
  5. Re: Power to them by erktrek · · Score: 3, Informative

    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..

  6. Re:Moon Billboard! by CrimsonAvenger · · Score: 2

    "The Man Who Sold the Moon", by Robert Heinlein. 1950. Not only suggested the idea, but described a way it might be accomplished.

    --

    "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
  7. Re: Power to them by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 2

    No, he's probably just predicting that Rocket Lab will fail and Moon Express won't have any other option than hitching a ride on a Falcon. Which is actually pretty plausible, unless Rocket Lab demonstrates actual technical capability, and would be even cheaper.

    --
    Ezekiel 23:20
  8. Re: Power to them by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 3, Informative
    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...)

    --
    Ezekiel 23:20