Post by Hussar on Nov 10, 2004 0:09:27 GMT -5
As many of you likely know, Burt Ratan and co recently won the 10 million dollar X Prize for making two space flights in a privately funded spaceship. Check out here if you haven't heard the news.
Now, personally, I think that's great. But it does open a rather troubling possibility. Previously, all space programs were governmental and were governed by the international laws which governments have agreed to. However, a private venture is obviously non goverment. That brings another player to the table.
Who has jurisdiction in space?
Think about it for a second. Some rich bunch build a platform in space. A MIR sort of deal, or a Skylab. It's in outer space, thus beyond any terrestrial jurisdiction. Now, I start doing human scientific experiments. Gene splicing or something like that. Who can stop me?
Or, better yet, I build an electronic bank in space. Since it is beyond any country, I can launder any money, store any amount of cash, entirely tax free. Considering I don't have to physically store the money, merely electronically, I can store pretty much any amount of drug money you like.
How and who should administrate space?
Now, personally, I think that's great. But it does open a rather troubling possibility. Previously, all space programs were governmental and were governed by the international laws which governments have agreed to. However, a private venture is obviously non goverment. That brings another player to the table.
Who has jurisdiction in space?
Think about it for a second. Some rich bunch build a platform in space. A MIR sort of deal, or a Skylab. It's in outer space, thus beyond any terrestrial jurisdiction. Now, I start doing human scientific experiments. Gene splicing or something like that. Who can stop me?
Or, better yet, I build an electronic bank in space. Since it is beyond any country, I can launder any money, store any amount of cash, entirely tax free. Considering I don't have to physically store the money, merely electronically, I can store pretty much any amount of drug money you like.
How and who should administrate space?
