Space Access '04 Conference Review 12
savuporo writes "The annual Space Access Society conference was held last week, with most of all the alt.space heavyweights being present. Speakers included people from XCOR, X-Prize, Armadillo Aerospace and even NASA.
The review is available at HobbySpace.
In contrast to last years conference, private space transportation is now literally off the ground and the focus of discussion has gradually shifted from hardware designs to regulation, liability and legislation which remain the roadblocks to be cleared on path to outer space."
Interesting Article (Score:3, Interesting)
When I think of difficulties faced by these companies, I think of engineering hurdles. Getting insurance is one of those things that I didn't think about, but imagine it from the insurance companies perspective.
Well sir, I think you'll find X-COR will be well served by the policies we have to offer. Now, what kind of workplace hazards would you say you deal with regularly? Rocket fuel you say. Well I'm certain we can work...and this is for what now? Orbital flight you say..."
I imagine that meeting OSHA standards alone would be a non-trivial barrier to starting such a company
Re:Interesting Article (Score:3, Interesting)
Our previous problems were a lot harder...
Insurance is a barrier, but it's one manageable either with time, location, or money.If you are poor and far from Mojave, however, it can get hard.
I don't know of anyone in the industry who's working with seriously toxic materials or propellants.We're just crazy, not insane.