Last week the FAA released a Notice for Proposed Rulemaking for commercial space flight passengers and crew and opened a docket for comments on that NPRM. (Go to this web site and search for docket 23449). As of this morning four comments were available for viewing:
- Brian F. Ficke expresses concern that the NPRM does not specifically state that “returning travelers would be screened by customs agents.” He foresees a future where the increased commercialization of space leads to “the smuggling of materials or people into the United States.”
- An entity called OffWorld Adventures is opposed to requiring spacecraft pilots “be a licensed, instrument rated aircraft pilot” even if the vehicle in question doesn’t have wings. “The FAA rules and regulations for pilots will not insure that a space ship pilot or remote operator is really qualified to fly this unique craft.”
- A comment that appears to be a reprint from a blog titled “The War on Guns” by David Codrea, titled “FAA to Disarm Universe”. (Pedants might argue that the universe has to be armed before the FAA can disarm it.) The title pretty much says it all about this comment, but here’s another quote: “The desire for freedom will not be lessened, nor will the righteous defiance of tyrannical restraints. What kind of people do these form-stamping parasites think the new pioneers will be?”
- David Deutsch is worried the NPRM doesn’t address EVA activities. “A passenger on an EVA operation can easily decide to throw something at earth that might pose public risk.” What that “something” might be is left, apparently, as an exercise for the reader.
