🚀 go-pugleaf

In <1992Dec29.200444.11917@aio.jsc.nasa.gov> hack@arabia.uucp (Edmund Hack) writes:

>How do they have to pay except for copying costs?  Certain parts of the
>shuttle design may be either classified (i.e. the comm crypto gear) or
>proprietary (some of the COTS equipment), but the bulk is available for
>copying costs.  If I want a copy of the schematics, I find a copying
>cost charge reasonable.

You can get a copy of a government patent for copying charges,
yes.  You can get a copy of *anybody's* patent for copying charges.
But if you use it without paying royalties, you're in big trouble.

Do you find legal costs reasonable also? ;-)

If you don't believe this, look at a publication called NASA
Tech Briefs.  It contains brief descriptions of NASA patents
that are available *for licensing*, along with instructions
on who to contact if you want to license them.

Software developed by NASA is available from the COSMIC information
service.  I am told the cost for these programs typically runs several
thousands per tape.  Do you believe that this is a copying charge?


>Please cite the _exact_ basis for this statement, i.e. the part of the
>U.S. Code or the appropriations laws that make it illegal to fabricate
>things.  Either that or be more careful in your flaming.  Accusing NASA
>of illegal acts without basis is impolite at the minimum.

The applicable law is the NASA Act.  It charters the agency to conduct
research and development.  Period.  Not to build and operate a national
transportation system.  It is illegal for government agencies to conduct
unauthorized activities.  


>Also, this thread has gone about as far as it can go.  Please save
>bandwidth and disk wear and tear and _drop it_.  Please.

Your concern for wear and tear is touching.  Almost as much as
your desire to get in the last the last word. ;-)