Comments on: Launch indemnification extension dÃ©jÃ vu

By: Rand Simberg

Rand Simberg — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:31:15 +0000

As long as we’re talking amendments to AST reauthorization, it would be nice to give them explicit authority to regulate high-altitude ballooning, to clean up that messy (IMO) agency ruling last week.

By: Neil Shipley

Neil Shipley — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 02:39:10 +0000

Perhaps they don’t understand or have forgotten that they actually have to make decisions as opposed to simply talk about stuff!

By: Coastal Ron

Coastal Ron — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:15:59 +0000

“The problem for the industry is that, so far, Congress has taken almost no action on another extension.”

Isn’t that true for many other issues before Congress? It’s not that Congress doesn’t care about launch indemnification, it’s just that Congress isn’t really focused on much of anything these days.

“Kunstadter said he expects the indemnification system to be extended, but warned â€œthere may be some issues that cause it not to be extended right awayâ€ in the current political environment.”

Like many other things. Unfortunately our government is not being very helpful to business (or anyone) these days. If they can’t perform their function, we should vote them out and elect people that will do the people’s work…

By: Jeff Foust

Jeff Foust — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 22:00:42 +0000

I’m not sure what you mean by “top slice” insurance, but as the post notes, there’s sufficient capacity in the insurance market to allow launch providers to purchase additional third-party insurance if needed should the launch indemnification regime not continue. Rates will likely depend on the specifics of the launch vehicle and the launch in question.

By: Andrew Swallow

Andrew Swallow — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 17:56:10 +0000

Are the insurance companies willing to supply top slice launch indemnification insurance?
How much will they charge?