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Unread 08-10-2004, 10:49
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Alan Anderson Alan Anderson is offline
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Re: SpaceShipOne captures X-prize!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc P.
...A spaceship is capable of not only killing passengers, but anyone unfortunate enough to be on the ground if one were to come crashing down.
...Private spaceflight is a new industry, and has plenty of hurdles to overcome before becoming as widely accepted as planes, boats, and cars, but regulation is a necessary measure to keep things safe.
Airliners are just as capable of hitting people on the ground if they "come crashing down". Cars are already on the ground (and are much more likely to hit people if something goes wrong, because they are generally operated near people). There's nothing special about spacecraft in this way.

Consider the safety rules for a FIRST robot. There are a few absolutes regarding a robot's interaction with the field, but only general guidelines for how to implement the rules. Regulation is fine if it gives a standard or goal, but if it specifies things in too much detail, it overly restricts the options available, and smothers innovation.

The old rules for rocket-propelled launch vehicles are written with the assumption that rocket equals artillery. Launch pads are still located on firing ranges, and the range safety officer requires the ability to destroy the vehicle if it threatens to leave the range in an uncontrolled manner. That's not appropriate for passenger craft. The proper standard is to demonstrate the ability to maintain control in every probable situation, and to demonstrate the ability to survive a loss of control in all but the most improbable situations.

Even with extremely restrictive regulation, there will always be accidents. You can't legislate luck.
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