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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."

4 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. 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..

  2. 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!"
  3. 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..

  4. 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...)

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