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This is a n00b question, but how do regulations apply to private human crewed missions in the US? Are there clear guidelines already written? I’m assuming it i

This is a n00b question, but how do regulations apply to private human crewed missions in the US? Are there clear guidelines already written? I’m assuming it inherits a lot of rules of general aviation? But since private firms launching into space is new, do the rules and regulations keep up? Or are they still to be written?

gamepsys 2y ago
US regulation applies. On top of US regulation, basically every nation will see you as a potential security risk because the difference between an ICBM and space launch rocket is mostly payload and flight path.
manquer 2y ago
Rocket regulations apply including ITAR, FAA and others for any payload human or cargo launched on any vehicle . The launch doesn’t have to be even to launched from the US, rocket lab have to comply with them even when launching from New Zealand. There are host of rules that NASA has for human spaceflight these are not regulations per se. Till now NASA has been the only buyer[1][2] of human spaceflights or the destination has been ISS which is jointly managed by them so even private operators to comply with these rules. SpaceX and now Boeing human rate their spacecrafts to these specifications to allow them to compete for commercial crew contracts or dock to ISS[4]. In the next few years this will change, NASA is research organization not a regulatory authority sooner or later regulations have to move to either FAA or another new entity. Currently no regulations exist for space proper. FAA does control a lot of launch related items, but don’t regulate things like spacesuits that now spaceX is developing currently. There are no strict limits to FAA authority they do control Virgin rocket planes although it does cross the US defined line for space . Knowing Musk’s temperament, what is likely to happen is FAA will try to extend their authority that he deems is overreach and he will sue in court saying they have no jurisdiction, either Supreme Court will say they do (not likely in Robert’s court) or congress will have pass law regulating this ( less likely in current congress it is too dysfunctional) but these things may change in the next few years when it does happen —- [1] Axiom buys private launches from spaceX but they still dock to ISS so I expect NASA rules apply. [2] Jared Issacman’s last mission was the true first fully private mission to space but still used mostly stock Dragon so they mostly likely followed NASA rules [3] all this from US perspective , Soyuz and China has capabilities and Soyuz and also in Mir space station have had some commercial flights of course [4] only place you can go today , end of this decade there maybe private station or moon or even mars but not today

gamepsys 2y ago

US regulation applies. On top of US regulation, basically every nation will see you as a potential security risk because the difference between an ICBM and space launch rocket is mostly payload and flight path.

manquer 2y ago

Rocket regulations apply including ITAR, FAA and others for any payload human or cargo launched on any vehicle . The launch doesn’t have to be even to launched from the US, rocket lab have to comply with them even when launching from New Zealand. There are host of rules that NASA has for human spaceflight these are not regulations per se. Till now NASA has been the only buyer[1][2] of human spaceflights or the destination has been ISS which is jointly managed by them so even private operators to comply with these rules. SpaceX and now Boeing human rate their spacecrafts to these specifications to allow them to compete for commercial crew contracts or dock to ISS[4]. In the next few years this will change, NASA is research organization not a regulatory authority sooner or later regulations have to move to either FAA or another new entity. Currently no regulations exist for space proper. FAA does control a lot of launch related items, but don’t regulate things like spacesuits that now spaceX is developing currently. There are no strict limits to FAA authority they do control Virgin rocket planes although it does cross the US defined line for space . Knowing Musk’s temperament, what is likely to happen is FAA will try to extend their authority that he deems is overreach and he will sue in court saying they have no jurisdiction, either Supreme Court will say they do (not likely in Robert’s court) or congress will have pass law regulating this ( less likely in current congress it is too dysfunctional) but these things may change in the next few years when it does happen —- [1] Axiom buys private launches from spaceX but they still dock to ISS so I expect NASA rules apply. [2] Jared Issacman’s last mission was the true first fully private mission to space but still used mostly stock Dragon so they mostly likely followed NASA rules [3] all this from US perspective , Soyuz and China has capabilities and Soyuz and also in Mir space station have had some commercial flights of course [4] only place you can go today , end of this decade there maybe private station or moon or even mars but not today