Uncle Sam Regulating Space Citizens?
It seems that the American government has decided to keep track of US citizens and corporations that engage in space flight. In order for one to fly, they would need to apply for a space permit.
(Flight Global) Washington claims right to regulate suborbital launches made by US companies anywhere around the world
US persons or organisations operating suborbital test flights outside the USA will still have to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration permit, according to newly proposed rules.
This is because, under existing international treaties, governments are responsible for launches made by their citizens or legal entities beyond their own borders.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is hoping that these new rules become permanent regulations by the end of this year. Some may see this as minor bureaucracy, but a more reasonable explanation (outside of security) would suffice–taxes.
