Photographers Scrub Launch Coverage Due To New ULA Policy That Restricts Use of Launch Photo

Space photographers across the space coast are pushing back against a newly introduced camera placement agreement by United Launch Alliance (ULA). This new policy, they argue, severely limits their ability to monetize and share their work beyond initial editorial use, leading many to consider boycotting upcoming ULA missions, including the much-anticipated USSF-51 launch.

Many prominent space photographers are speaking out over the collective frustration and disappointment with ULA's new policy.

"I cannot sit by while myself and my colleagues are actively being forbidden from trying to support ourselves to be able to do what we do...ULA has introduced a new remote camera agreement policy that they claim has language that has always been conveyed. It has not." - David Diebold, Space Scount

ULA's New Restrictions Are The Issue

The core issue revolves around the terms dictating how images taken at the launch pad can be used.

The new agreement stipulates that photos captured on the pad are for editorial use only, explicitly prohibiting usage for personal social media posts or selling prints. This represents a significant shift from previous policies, which did not impose such stringent restrictions.

"The agreement states that 'ULA provided materials' may not be used for profit or anything other than editorial usage...Never once has this been referred to as the pad/rocket as it is in these new terms." - David Diebold, Space Scount

Implications for the Media

The new policy is seen as a direct threat to the livelihood of many in the space photography community, particularly those in non-traditional media who rely on selling prints and leveraging social media to sustain their work.

"This new agreement severely limits the ability of many members of the media to support themselves and make this a viable field of work,"- David Diebold, Space

“The launch pad SLC-41 is notoriously known as the place where cameras/lenses die, making it even more critical for us to have the ability to market and sell our photographs to cover these expenses to bring the incredible launch photos you see online.“ - Joe B, TLP Network

Photographers and media members often operate with minimal financial support, making the ability to sell prints and use their work across various platforms essential for their survival in the industry. The new agreement, they argue, makes this increasingly difficult, if not impossible.

A Call for Change

Photographers have expressed a deep sense of betrayal, given ULA's previously commendable openness and willingness to provide media access.

"I have always admired ULA for their openness and willingness to allow media up-close access. But this heel turn makes it hard to feel any remaining goodwill." - David Diebold, Space Scount

Faced with the ultimatum to sign the agreement or lose access, the photographer and many colleagues are choosing to stand their ground. Many saying being forced to sign an agreement that is a net negative for all of the media is the last thing they will ever do and if this is the end of the line for covering ULA missions up close, then they are ready to accept that.

“I will no longer be setting remote cameras at the pad for #AtlasV and #Vulcan rocket launches going forward.“ - Brandon Moser

The New ULA Camera Placement Agreement

ULA's new Camera Placement Agreement outlines several conditions for media members placing cameras within the security area of the launch pad. Key points include:

• Editorial Purposes Only: Photos taken are for editorial purposes only and cannot be used for personal blogs, social media, or profit.

• Device Restrictions: Devices must be approved by ULA, cannot transmit via radio frequency, and are to be placed in pre-approved positions.

• Access Limitations: Media members cannot access their devices until cleared by ULA post-launch or post-investigation in the event of a contingency.

• Revocation of Agreement: ULA reserves the right to revoke the agreement at any time.

The agreement, according to a number of photographers, impose unprecedented restrictions compared to NASA and the 45th Space Wing’s policies, which have never prohibited the sale or personal use of media work post-editorial usage.

The Path Ahead

As the deadline to sign the agreement looms, the space coast photographer community remains resolute in their opposition. While ULA has not yet publicly responded, they have reportedly responded to the photographer community asking for a joint meeting to discuss the agreement with a response saying they will only talk to each photographer one on on and via phone.

The photographers stance is clear: amend the agreement to allow fair use of their work, or face the loss of dedicated media coverage for future missions.The situation underscores a critical debate over the rights of media professionals in the evolving landscape of space exploration and highlights the broader challenges faced by non-traditional media in sustaining their work.

As the countdown to USSF-51 continues, all eyes will be on ULA's next move and the potential impact on space mission coverage.

This is a developing story and as more photographers speak out or if ULA release a statement this story will be updated.