[IronJack]

even in the absence of that treaty, public safety dictates that it be regulated.

Huh? How is a satellite launch a threat to public safety?

That's like asking what right the government has to regulate aircraft.

What right does the government have to regulate aircraft?

[NonZeroSum]

uh? How is a satellite launch a threat to public safety?

Rockets can blow up, or fall on children, and other living things. Or are you unfamiliar with rocketry?

What right does the government have to regulate aircraft?

[Backing away slowly...]

Ask the FAA. They do it 24/7.

[Publius Valerius]

You're right. The FAA has no legitimate reason to exist.

[hopespringseternal]

How is a satellite launch a threat to public safety?

ROTFHWL

Actually, putting this under the FAA is a big step forward. Before now, space launch has been considered to be on the same level as ordinance testing in terms of safety. That is one of the huge legacy issues with launchers. They evolved from artillery rockets and most people in the industry just tend to think of them as larger versions of military ordinance.

To start treating launchers as a transportation system is a whole new paradigm that is long overdue.

[Centurion2000]

Huh? How is a satellite launch a threat to public safety?

If you're going to launch 100,000 pounds of explosive fuel over my head I think I am gonna take exception to that UNLESS someone else has already checked you out.

Failing that, you better try launches over water.