> What body of law allows government to prevent a private company from using the atmosphere to get to space? U.S. Code, specifically Title 51, Subtitle V, Chap

> What body of law allows government to prevent a private company from using the atmosphere to get to space? U.S. Code, specifically Title 51, Subtitle V, Chapter 509, also known as the Commercial Space Launch Act. > OK, so, if you could launch from a ship in the middle of the ocean you would be free to launch as you wish? Is that the case? If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain the necessary licenses for commercial space launches. This is in line with the Outer Space Treaty, which places responsibility for space activities on the country of origin, regardless of where those activities actually take place.