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SpaceX’s Earth views need a license now, probably thanks to the Tesla stunt
- noonespecial 9y ago>but NOAA couldn’t approve the use of the cameras in time. (Reviews can take up to 120 days, NOAA says.) When you can refuel and relaunch the rocket faster than the government can decide if you're allowed to take a selfie, you might be living in the future.
- MR4D 9y agoThis is ridiculous. Does the NOAA approve Russia or China’s cameras in space? No. They should leave everyone alone.
- burfog 9y agoI don't think NOAA just noticed this. I think a SpaceX competitor pushed them to act, perhaps indirectly via a member of congress. The obvious suspect is United Launch Alliance.
- acct1771 9y ago> perhaps indirectly via a member of congress That's the part of the phrase everyone forgets: "Military-Industrial-Congressional complex".
- schmookeeg 9y agoThe implication here is that the US NOAA has jurisdiction over the entire Earth, or is sovereign over any extra-terrestrial camera that might be floating over it? Ludicrous and arrogant. My country's bureaucrats are just the worst sometimes.
- petre 9y agoIsn't space like international waters from a legal POV?
- acct1771 9y agoWhen you have the biggest guns, and show willingness to roll them out, anything is whatever you say it is. See: the UN.
- petre 9y agoThe UN only has peace keeping operations. They don't shoot unless shot at to defend themselves. A friend worked at the UN, he told me rebels were stealing their food supplies and they could not do much about it.
- acct1771 8y agoI was referring to the US dictating UN policy. And not following it themselves, when convenient not to.
- the_seraphim 9y agoWait... The United Kingdom can provide licences... err... we can do ours in like 20 minutes rush job for like $5k. Guaranteed to be accepted by any space policeman who could get to your rocket. Just send me a PM and I'll hook you up musk