ABA Forum on Air and Space Law Discussion Topic #1: Missile v. Satellite
July 24, 2008 at 3:36 pm | In Space Law Current Events | 1 Comment
by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
The ABA Forum on Air and Space Law has announced an online discussion on the topic “Missile v. Satellite.” According to the announcement made on the Forum’s blog:
On January 11, 2007, the Chinese Government used an anti-satellite missile to shoot down a Chinese Feng Yun 1C weather satellite.1 This action was formally protested by numerous governments including the United States, Canada, and Australia who proclaimed that this was a test of military might aimed at the United States.2
On February 21, 2008, the United States Navy engaged and destroyed USA-193, an errant spy satellite, with it’s own anti-satellite missile system – the SM-3 Aegis.3 The US claimed that the shoot-down was necessary to protect Earth’s inhabitants from the risk of possible hydrazine contamination if the satellite’s fuel tank entered Earth’s atmosphere intact. The Russians called the action a thinly veiled flexing of US anti-satellite muscle4; the Chinese response was muted and asked for data pertaining to the shoot-down.5
Discussion: What is the effect of these two actions on international space law, including the peaceful uses of outer space?
The discussion will be held in the online forum run by the ABA Forum on Air & Space Law.
NOAA Open Letter to Google Lunar X PRIZE Participants
July 24, 2008 at 1:55 pm | In Space Law | 16 Commentsby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
NOAA has issued an open letter to Google X Prize Participants on its licensing regime (hat tip The Launch Pad):
Dear Google Lunar X PRIZE Participant:
As part of your effort to win the Google Lunar X PRIZE, will your entry or any related facilities be capable of actively or passively sensing the Earth’s surface, including
bodies of water, from space by making use of the properties of the electromagnetic waves emitted, reflected, or diffracted by the sensed objects?If so, and if your team is based wholly or partially in the USA, you may need to apply for a license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is because Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 and its implementing regulations require any person subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United States who operates or proposes to operate a private remote sensing space system that images the Earth, and/or establishes substantial connections with the United States regarding the operation of such a system to obtain a license from NOAA.
If you think this may apply to your team, NOAA strongly encourages you to contact us for a non-binding consultation at:
Email: noaa.crsl@noaa.gov
Phone: 301-713-2024 ext 213/202Obtaining a license can take up to 120 days once application is received by NOAA.
Should you wish to review the regulations, found at 15 CFR Part 960, describing NOAA’s licensing and regulation of such systems, they are available online at: http://www.licensing.noaa.gov/reference.html.
Notice: Continuation of Emergency Regarding Export Control Regulations
July 24, 2008 at 10:25 am | In Aviation Law, Space Law | Leave a Comment
by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From the White House:
Notice: Continuation of Emergency Regarding Export Control Regulations
RSS Feed White House News
On August 17, 2001, consistent with the authority provided to me under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 170l et seq.), I issued Executive Order 13222. In that order, I declared a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States in light of the expiration of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C. App. 2401 et seq.). Because the Export Administration Act has not been renewed by the Congress, the national emergency declared on August 17, 2001, must continue in effect beyond August 17, 2008. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13222.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 23, 2008.
The Export Administration Act governs dual use goods regulated by the Department of Commerce under the Export Administration Regulations.
Terminal Chaos: Why US Air Travel Is Broken And How To Fix It
July 24, 2008 at 9:12 am | In Aviation Law Current Event | Leave a Commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
An event being held by the AIAA:
Terminal Chaos: Why US Air Travel Is Broken And How To Fix It
Featured Speakers:George Donohue
Director, Center for Air Transportation Systems Research,
George Mason University
Former FAA Associate Administrator for Research and AcquisitionsRussell Shaver
Former Senior Research Analyst, RAND CorporationJuly 29, 2008
11:30AM-1:30PM
H-137, The Capitol (House Side)
Washington, DC 20515Please join the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as we welcome air traffic experts George Donohue and Russell Shaver to a luncheon event featuring a candid discussion of the pressing issues faced by the US flying public as it navigates the national air traffic system. The authors of Terminal Chaos: Why US Air Travel Is Broken And How To Fix It also will explore the significant and growing impact of air traffic congestion on the national economy and outline clear proposals for making air travel in the US safer and more efficient. For more information, please contact Chris Schons at 703/264-7521 or chriss@aiaa.org.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the largest technical society for aerospace professionals worldwide, devoted to the progress of science and engineering in both aviation and space. Headquartered in Reston, VA, AIAA serves over 35,000 members and 65 regional sections.
Russia ‘could answer U.S. shield with orbital ballistic missiles’
July 24, 2008 at 9:01 am | In Space Law | Leave a Commentby P.J. Blount with the blog faculty
From RIA Novisti:
Russia ‘could answer U.S. shield with orbital ballistic missiles’
18:43 |24/ 07/ 2008
MOSCOW, July 24 (RIA Novosti) – Russia could put in place an orbital ballistic missile system in response to U.S. missile defense plans for Central Europe, a senior Russian military expert said on Thursday.
The U.S. plans to deploy a radar in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in northern Poland as part of a U.S. missile shield for Europe and North America against possible attacks from “rogue states,” including Iran. Russia strongly opposes the possible deployment of the U.S. missile shield, viewing it as a threat to its national security.
“A program could be implemented to create orbital ballistic missiles capable of reaching U.S. territory via the South Pole, skirting U.S. air defense bases,” said Col. Gen. Viktor Yesin, former chief of staff of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, now vice president of the Academy of Security, Defense and Law Enforcement Studies.
He said in its time, the Soviet Union had abandoned such missiles in accordance with the START I Treaty.
He added, however, that since the U.S. missile defense site in Central Europe was still only a plan, Russia “must not for the time being spook Europe” with such military options. . . .
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
