[RightWhale]

The 15-second rocket firing was dictated not by specific testing needs, but by Federal Aviation Administration regulations, Melvill said. The FAA allows model rockets a 15-second burn, and Scaled Composites operated under that regulation, while it continues to navigate the uncharted waters of space vehicle licensing.

Did they apply for permits to the correct agencies? How would one know which agencies to apply to? FAA, but who else?

[BenLurkin]

Rutan appears to be a pretty shrewd guy. I figure he's got it figured out somehow.

[Frank_Discussion]

Scaled Composites is forging the links in the chain regarding commercial manned spaceflight regs, and TransOrbital has ironed out most of the regs pertaining to unmanned extraterrestrial missions.

[Professional Engineer]

Did they apply for permits to the correct agencies? How would one know which agencies to apply to? FAA, but who else?

From what I've read, this is the key question. No one really knows, even the FAA. I'm waiting to see if he says "screw it" and kicks the tires and lights the fire.