Engineering topics

Mossinghoff, G. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Mossinghoff, G. J..

3 records

NASA NTRS1980

United Nations principles on remote sensing - Report on developments, 1970-1980

The paper deals with the efforts of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to reach a consensus on legal principles governing the international use of remote sensing of the earth from space. The proceedings of the Working Group from 1971 to 1974 and the Legal Subcommittee from 1973 to 1980 are presented. Though the Committee has reached agreement on certain points, some key questions remain unresolved relative to dissemination of data and to the need for or method of classifying remote sensing data based on spatial resolution. An appendix of texts and draft principles worked out by COPUOS is also presented.

Mossinghoff, G. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Managing tort liability risks in the era of the Space Shuttle

A new section, named section 308 on 'Insurance and Indemnification', that was added to the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, is discussed. The reasons behind the NASA proposed section are examined, and its various provisions mentioned, as well as outlining the steps needed to implement these provisions. Attention is given to the tort liability risks and to the various costs that NASA would need to cover in case of liability for death, bodily harm, or damage to property resulting from activities carried on in connection with the landing, operations or recovery of the Space Shuttle. The entire section and its six subsections are presented in two appendices.

Mossinghoff, G. J.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Legal issues inherent in Space Shuttle operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (NASAct) is discussed with reference to its relevance to the operation of the Space Shuttle. The law is interpreted as giving NASA authority to regulate specific Shuttle missions, as well as authority to decide how much space aboard the Shuttle gets rented to whom. The Shuttle will not, however, be considered a 'common carrier' either in terms of NASAct or FAA regulations, because it will not be held available to the public-at-large, as are the flag carriers of various national airlines, e.g., Lufthansa, Air France, Aeroflot, etc. It is noted that the Launch Policy of 1972, which ensures satellite launch assistance to other countries or international organizations, shall not be interpreted as conferring common carrier status on the Space Shuttle.

Mossinghoff, G. J.↗