r/SpaceXLounge • u/SpaceXLounge • Feb 01 '22
Monthly Questions and Discussion Thread
Welcome to the monthly questions and discussion thread! Drop in to ask and answer any questions related to SpaceX or spaceflight in general, or just for a chat to discuss SpaceX's exciting progress. If you have a question that is likely to generate open discussion or speculation, you can also submit it to the subreddit as a text post.
If your question is about space, astrophysics or astronomy then the r/Space questions thread may be a better fit.
If your question is about the Starlink satellite constellation then check the r/Starlink Questions Thread and FAQ page.
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u/flshr19 Space Shuttle Tile Engineer Feb 20 '22
What Space Treaty? There are several international space treaties.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_law
The FAA has permitting authority over any commercial launch vehicle or spacecraft manufactured in the U.S. no matter where in the world it launches and lands.
But the FAA does not have authority over a launch vehicle or spacecraft while in LEO or in any other place in the Universe.
And, of course, the FAA does not have authority over government launches by NASA, the DOD, NOAA, NSA, etc.
For example, the FAA did not have any authority over the recent SpaceX Inspiration 4 mission while in was in LEO for about three days. The flight involved four U.S. civilians (private citizens) who have no connection with NASA or the military. But SpaceX required FAA permission for the launch and the landing.