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Commercialization

Photos of Commercial Launches From CCAFS Are Forbidden Without Written Permission

By Keith Cowing
NASA Watch
March 24, 2016
Filed under
Photos of Commercial Launches From CCAFS Are Forbidden Without Written Permission

Keith’s note: According to KSC Daily News for Thursday, March 24, 2016 it looks like you now need formal (that usually means written) permission from some unidentified “appropriate approval authority” at CCAFS to take pictures of “commercial launch sites, launch vehicles and equipment”. So that apparently means not only are people onsite at a launch are forbidden to take pictures without the aforementioned but unspecified permission from the “appropriate approval authority” – but so are people who visit the CCAFS museum, on KSC bus tours – or standing on a causeway within the area watching a launch. Let me know when the rules get crazier.
“SAFETY, SECURITY, CLOSURES AND OUTAGES
Photography Strictly Prohibited on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
As a reminder to all KSC employees and guests, photography is strictly prohibited on all areas of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. In accordance with the 45th Space Wing Integrated Defense Plan, it is a crime, under 18 U.S.C., section 795, to photograph defense installations without first obtaining permission from the installation commander. The taking of photos or videos of personnel displaying CCAFS entry badges, security posts, on-duty security personnel, security response activity or shift change also is strictly prohibited. Additionally, photography or videography of USAF restricted or controlled areas, and commercial launch sites, launch vehicles and equipment is prohibited without prior written approval from the appropriate approval authority. POC: Bill Cannon, 321-853-7874”

NASA Watch founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.

38 responses to “Photos of Commercial Launches From CCAFS Are Forbidden Without Written Permission”

  1. Daniel Woodard says:
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    When I started work at KSC almost 30 years ago simply bringing a camera on site without an official “camera pass” was forbidden. Except on launch days, when everyone could bring one. However in this case it is likely the desire of the commercial providers, rather than the government, to keep their proprietary commercial operations confidential.

    • Ben Russell-Gough says:
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      I’m not sure about that. Note the use of the phrase ‘integrated defence plan’. Basically, this is about preventing terrorists from getting photographs of CCAFS personnel and layouts so they can plan their attacks. I make no judgement on how sensible or ludicrous that fear it but I do at least understand the reasoning behind it.

      That said, CCAFS should counter-balance this officially-sanctioned paranoia with a clear and rapid vetting and authorisation process for photography, especially on launch days.

    • chuckc192000 says:
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      30 years ago they were using shuttles to launched classified payloads for DOD. They phased that out shortly after the Challenger disaster.

    • kcowing says:
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      There used to be a “rule” at KSC that no one under 15 (or 13 – depends who you were talking to) could be at viewing stands for shuttle launches. But crews and the friends brought kids all the time. When finally challenged on this KSC could not provide any official NASA policy ever instituted – even though they always claimed there were Federal Regs, rules, etc. Urban myths.

  2. gearbox123 says:
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    Well, we have the old USSR’s space bureacracy, I guess we’re getting their photography regulations too.

  3. Gene DiGennaro says:
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    I agree that with Daniel Woodard that this is probably at the behest of the commercial operators. How will this play out with the thousands of tourists that flock to KSC every year?
    Since commercial crew is now part of NASA policy, to me this is an issue. NASA’s charter has always been that of human spaceflight in the open, contrary to its sealed quasi-military counterparts elsewhere. How do we strike a balance between the traditional overtness and the need for a commercial operator to work in a proprietary environment? It is my opinion that compromising the overt nature will spoil the thrill the American public gets out human spaceflight.

  4. Egad says:
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    So is there a Presidential determination supporting this action?

    ———————–

    18 U.S. Code § 795 – Photographing and sketching defense installations

    Current through Pub. L. 114-38. (See Public Laws for the current Congress.)

    (a) Whenever, in the interests of national defense, the President defines certain vital military and naval installations or equipment as requiring protection against the general dissemination of information relative thereto, it shall be unlawful to make any photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map, or graphical representation of such vital military and naval installations or equipment without first obtaining permission of the commanding officer of the military or naval post, camp, or station, or naval vessels, military and naval aircraft, and any separate military or naval command concerned, or higher authority, and promptly submitting the product obtained to such commanding officer or higher authority for censorship or such other action as he may deem necessary.

    (b) Whoever violates this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

  5. Ben Russell-Gough says:
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    I might be reading this wrong, but this seems to mostly refer to visitors and personnel who are actually on the station. It would be impossible to prevent people from videoing or photographing the launches and other activity from the top of the VAB or from locations outside CCAFS.

    • chuckc192000 says:
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      Yeah, Keith was wrong in his interpretation of the rules. It only applies to taking photos on CCAFS property (and the main gate), NOT from KSC or the surrounding area. That would be utterly unenforceable.

      • kcowing says:
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        Uh, have you seen where the tour busses go? You do know where SpaceX does its thing?

        • chuckc192000 says:
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          In case you forgot, your original post said, “or standing on a causeway within the area watching a launch”. Taking photos from causeways in the area is NOT forbidden. Neither is taking photos from KSC. Many people who work here at KSC bring very powerful cameras to work on launch days to photograph launches. In additions, KSC issues car passes where employees can bring as many people as they can fit in their car to view (and photograph) the launch from the parking lot of the Launch Control Center and other areas.

          • kcowing says:
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            Read what the KSC post says. It is illegal to take pictures of anything that goes on inside of CCAFS including photos from outside. Go up to the entrance of CCAFS some time and start taking pictures of things inside. Watch what happens.

          • chuckc192000 says:
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            They specifically mention not taking photos of the main entrance. The intent of the rules was to ban taking photos ON CCAFS PROPERTY (plus photos of the main gate and security operations). Nobody else except you is interpreting the rules any other way.

          • kcowing says:
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            According to KSC this includes standing outside of CCAFS property and pointing your cameras in – at anything. Go ahead, try it.

          • chuckc192000 says:
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            The rules specifically ban taking photos of the main gate (and other security operations) and photos ON CCAFS PROPERTY. It does NOT ban taking photos of launches from the surrounding area. Only you are interpreting it that way (and censoring opposing views is poor practice).

          • kcowing says:
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            Censoring? I have approved every single response including your multiple posts. Please stop making multiple posts BTW.

          • Brian Thorn says:
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            I took the KSC bus tour at Christmas, and the driver/guide specifically said it was forbidden to take photos of security/gates, but they went out of their way to say that, and said nothing about photography rules elsewhere on the tour. Everyone was taking pictures of the new SpaceX building at Pad 39A.

            Sounds like the rules just need to be clarified a bit (or a lot.)

          • kcowing says:
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            Exactly.

          • chuckc192000 says:
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            You would be arrested, of course, but taking photos of launches from the surrounding area is permitted (and encouraged).

          • kcowing says:
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            So I can stand on non-DoD property at the gate and take a pic of a launch and I’d be arrested? Why? According to you being outside of CCAFS taking pictures of launches is OK for picture taking. Make up your mind.

          • chuckc192000 says:
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            Let me define “surrounding area” for you (from the Patrick AFB web site):

            -State Road 528 or the Beach Line Expressway, the commuter road from
            Orlando to Titusville. Approaching Port Canaveral, a view of the launch
            pads on CCAFS may be seen from the Indian and Banana Rivers. It is
            recommended that anyone wishing to view a launch from SR 528 find a safe
            location where traffic will not be impeded.

            -Off State Road A1A along the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach.

            -Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, between SR 405 and 402 (near
            Titusville). This location should provide the best view of the new Atlas
            V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.

            -Boaters viewing launches should tune to Channel 16 VHF-FM for
            instructions from the Coast Guard pertaining to restricted areas. The
            Coast Guard will patrol those areas in the rivers and offshore in the
            Atlantic Ocean. Boaters will not be permitted north of marker 15 on the
            Banana River (where the high wires cross the river). Boaters may not
            enter the southern part of Mosquito Lagoon (past the Haulover Canal).
            However, the canal, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, will remain open
            to traffic. Boaters may not set foot on any land that is part of CCAFS
            or Kennedy Space Center.

          • kcowing says:
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            yea yea yea I have been there a hundred times. But you just told me that if I was outside of the CCAFS gate – not on CCAFS itself – that I’d be arrested for taking pictures. Make up your mind.

          • chuckc192000 says:
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            You’re the only one talking about the main gate. The rest of us are talking about the surrounding area. We ALL agree that taking photos of the main gate is a BAD idea (although they DO have bleachers set up right outside the gate for people to come view, and presumably photograph) launches.

          • kcowing says:
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            Do you even read what you post? “We ALL agree that taking photos of the main gate is a BAD idea (although they DO have bleachers set up right outside the gate for people to come view, and presumably photograph)” You’ve made your point. Please troll elsewhere.

  6. kcowing says:
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    If you read what the KSC post says then it is illegal to take pictures of anything that goes on inside of CCAFS including photos from outside. Go up to the entrance of CCAFS some time and start taking pictures of things inside. Watch what happens.

    • chuckc192000 says:
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      You would be arrested, of course, but taking photos of launches from the surrounding area is allowed (and encouraged).

      • kcowing says:
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        So let me get this straight ( you have posted this comment multiple times- please stop doing that) I can stand on non-DoD property at the gate and take a pic of a launch and I’d be arrested? Why? According to you being outside of CCAFS taking pictures of launches is OK for picture taking. Make up your mind.

    • Egad says:
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      > Watch what happens.

      Which does raise an interesting question. If someone stays off CCAFS property and takes pictures of things inside it, who gets to enforce 18 USC 795? The base MPs going off base? Local cops called by the base security people? The FBI? In any event, I have a hard time imagining that any DA would touch such a case.

      P.S.: I’ve been bemused by 18 USC 795 for a good many years now in relation to Google Earth. Is Digital Globe in violation of the law when it images Area 51 or military bases?

  7. John Thomas says:
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    Sounds like some here are going a bit overboard. The reminder is most likely resulting from commercial companies operating on the base (SpaceX being the likely prime reason). They’re just using existing laws to enforce the restriction.

    As it says, taking pictures of defense installations without getting the installation commanders permission. As far as I know, this is for all military bases including CAFS.

    The base commander can give permission for launches, such as by providing bleachers.

    Also, I would say that once the vehicle has lifted off, it is no longer on the base.

    A primary reason for this law is for foreign agents and those planning an attack. I suspect that if you’re taking pictures of the base or the gate, they might detain you and do a background check and check your pictures. If your pictures raise suspicion, they might arrest you.

  8. numbers_guy101 says:
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    …this tidbit reminds me of that article about the Brits who went filming at Area 51 a few years ago…it’s at-

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

    I’m also reminded how there was a guy many years ago who had quite a website back in the day with pics of Area 51 taken using very large telescope-like lenses on his cameras. (Sort of like those shots of the ISS taken from the ground that even resolve the basic shape, solar panels, etc.) If I recall the government went and took control of that last piece of land and the ridge it didn’t own, just so no one would have a view of the facilities, from no matter how far away, no matter what Celestron -or bigger- they had.

    It’s amazing what security types dream up to write rules about. It must be the same thinking where government people have been quoted saying something can appear on the front page of the New York Times and still be “Secret”, and a person can still be prosecuted for having or passing along that newspaper.

    After the Snowden thing a PPT went out (or was it our yearly training?) even went out saying it was illegal for a federal employee to read Snowden leaks, even on their own time, in their own home, on thier own computer, as this was something like “a failure of a federal employee to safeguard classified information under any circumstances they came upon it”. (Something like that.)

    Security folk, they love to keep busy writing …stuff, and do’s, and lot’s of don’ts. You gotta feel sorry for the poor souls who get the job that day to write this meaningless fluff and get it approved.

    • korichneveygigant says:
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      I remember that wikileaks email saying all that stuff, it made me laugh pretty hard.

  9. james w barnard says:
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    Does this include taking pictures from the second floor balcony at the motel across the inlet leading to and including Port Canaveral? What about folks on the cruise ships that use the waterway? Could I be arrested for the 16mm movies I shot from the beach in front of the Holiday Inn, in 1961 of Atlas-D’s exploding after launch? Or has the statute of limitations run out on that? Are they going to attempt to arrest the captains and crews of the “Russian trawlers” that caused a scrub of a national defense launch in 1961, while they shooed them out of the fall-back area?
    As far as SpaceX and ULA is concerned, they could either be concerned about national security or their own proprietary stuff, depending on the payload on board. As Paul Harvey used to do… big sigh…

  10. fcrary says:
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    On a related subject, Windsor Great Park, England (one of the Queen’s official residences) warns people that GPS systems do not work anywhere in the Park. Or they did when I was there in 2012. I can understand the security reasons for that.

    But _how_ do you do that? GPS works by passive reception of satellite signals. I don’t see any way to turn it off in a selected 20 square kilometers, short of serious jamming. That would affect the surrounding area for some distance (and Heathrow isn’t too far from there.) Does anyone have an idea? Radio propagation and spacecraft communications are things I think I understand, but I can’t figure this one out.

    • numbers_guy101 says:
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      You can buy GPS jammers online. I’d imagine that by regulating power output of the jammer (lots of varying types) you can make a very specific area’s borderline GPS free, while just over the fence GPS would be fine. It would involve hundreds of little jammers of varying power for something as large as those royal residences, probably all a combo of wired and wireless. Perhaps something I’d place under the grass, in bushes, inside camera hiusings, etc. a net of sorts.

    • Hug Doug ✓ᵛᵉʳᶦᶠᶦᵉᵈ says:
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      All you need to do to cancel out one signal is to transmit its opposite, waves which are exactly inverted, 180 degrees out of phase, and the first signal is cancelled out. This can be done with sound (it is how noise-cancelling headphones work) as well as radio waves. So long as the power is kept low the transmitter won’t affect areas further away. Some movie theaters do the same thing for cell phones. So GPS jammers, cell phone jammers, radar jammers, etc. all work on the same basic principle.

  11. Jeff2Space says:
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    Same thing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where there are several historic artifacts sitting outside the USAF Museum’s restoration hangars in a parking lot. Since those parking lots are on the base, taking photographs of those artifacts is strictly forbidden. You can argue all you want, but those are the rules. And if you violate those rules, the nice (armed) men in USAF uniforms will set you straight.