SpaceX Gets First Private FAA Space Reentry License

coondoggie sends in a Network World story that begins "Space Exploration Technologies (Space X) got the first-ever Federal Aviation Administration license allowing the reentry to Earth of a privately developed spacecraft. The license was needed because the Space X Dragon space capsule is scheduled to launch atop Space X's Falcon 9 rocket on Dec. 7 and return to earth. The Launch of the rocket had already been approved by the FAA. The FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation noted that it has licensed over 200 successful launches."

What?

[MrOctogon]

You need a license to reenter earth? I can imagine needing a license to create the rockets and stuff to get up there in the first place, but once you're up there won't gravity bring you down? Isn't that the law??

We need something better

[dmomo]

Like a green card system. If you outlaw "landing on Earth", only outlaws will land on Earth. That is very scary. I recommend a legal path to citizenship for our visitors.

Re:What?

[Chairboy]

It's part of an effort to limit illegal aliens.

I already have one

[Un pobre guey]

I have a class 2 (three axle) re-entry license I got at the DMV. Only cost $20 and the exam was waived since I don't have a spacecraft yet. It works like a charm at bars to pick up skanky chicks.

Don' t you just hate it...

[formfeed]

... when you ask for reentry and they just keep telling you. "Please stay in low orbit. We will contact you again"

Re:It's needed.

[roothog]

And it keeps CBS News from embarrassing themselves with video clips of airplane contrails.

Re:It's needed.

[scorp1us]

North Korea just registered the other 199 Reentry licenses.

Re:A license?

[Anonymous Coward]

But this rocket is going to transit US air space to get into orbit, it is also owned by a US company, it is launching from the US, it is using the US eastern test range, it is flying under a US government contract, and I believe will land in US.

So... it pays taxes in Ireland?