Fundamental Valid Frame of Rest

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Three scientists are familiar with Special Relativity and it's rules.



The three scientists decide to conduct a Special Relativity experiment. The plan is for two of them to get into two separate rocket ships and pass one another nearly head-on overhead while the third scientist observes from a base upon earth.



They decide to first pass one another, each traveling at exactly 1/2 the speed of light, as measured by the observer on the ground. Later, during debriefing, they discuss each personal frame of reference. Because they believe in the tenets of SR, each believes that he or she can regard their own frame of reference as being at rest, while at the same time acknowledging so to can the other two make a similar claim.



No one has exceeded the speed of light relative to another. Even though the two rocket pilots seem to approach and pass one another exactly at the speed of light, all frames of reference are still valid, even if they must be considered separately, are they not?



Thanks,

Wes

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