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We do have an international framework, of sorts. It's that each country must regulate satellites launched by their companies. A US-based company must comply wit
by mabbo 8y ago
We do have an international framework, of sorts. It's that each country must regulate satellites launched by their companies. A US-based company must comply with US laws regarding satellite launches and get permission to launch them.
In this case, Swarm lied to the Indian government and said the US had approved it (which made sense as they are a US-based company), while trying to hide the existence of the satellites from the US Government. Frankly, I think a $900k fine is too small.
- sgc 8y agoMy first thought when I saw 900k was "Oh shit, now everybody will do it".
- 14 8y agoYes 900k seems like for some companies that kind of fine would be worth it to get their stuff in space and even if you made it 5 times higher seems like you could account for all of that in your budget. I think a more severe penalty would be ground them from future launches for 6 months(or other number maybe 6 months is too short), and failure to do that would have them sanctioned from the US and it's allies. The article states they are hoping the negative exposure from this fine is enough to deter the company, it is not even about the money.
- chris_va 8y agoIf I recall correctly, Swarm did have FCC approval, but had it rescinded later shortly before launch.