Carson City Company to NASA: Pay Your Parking Bill!

On February 12, 2001, NASA landed the Shoemaker Spacecraft on the Eros Asteroid. Apparently, it took someone’s parking spot, parking spot #29 as a matter of fact. The Orbital Development Company of Carson City, Nevada has claimed the Eros Asteroid as its own property and has billed NASA $20 for the storage fee. But, being a reasonable company, once paid the next bill would not come due until 2101. But, being unreasonable, NASA declined to pay. The State Department ruled on behalf of NASA, based on Article 2 of the 1967 "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies." Now, that’s a treaty.

Logically, in November of 2003, Orbital Development started litigation to not only be paid in full, but be recognized as the legal owner of said asteroid, the reason being that Orbital Development is a private venture and not a state/country and is exempt from the treaty. The company values Eros at $10 trillion, and seeks damages, as well as storage fees.

The state of Nevada would do well to support this litigation. Also, may I suggest legislation to tax any space-based property owned by companies based in the state?

1.2% of $10 trillion, maybe?