Government Agencies Examine Satellite Component Trade Restrictions

The Defense Technology Security Administration and the National Security Space Office are examining the US munitions list to determine if some satellite components can be removed. Their reason for doing so now is because these items are now readily available on worldwide markets. When the US made it difficult for American satellite manufacturers to sell to customers oversees, foreign nations developed the technology themselves, often at a lower cost.

In hindsight, and in many people's foresight, this has not been a wise course of action. Not only are American manufacturers disadvantaged, but now other nations are developing technologies that they previously had to buy from the united states.

It is admirable that these agencies are reexamining the list, but it does not go far enough. Contact your congressman and tell them that the ITAR regulations need to be overhauled. Our risk averse strategy is bad for our space industry and doesn't protect us.

Learn more about ITAR.

Email, fax, call, and visit your Congressmen to share your thoughts on ITAR

Export Control Reform to Help Spaceflight Industry

President Bush has announced a reform to government policies and practices, making it easier for US companies to buy and sell launcher and satellited components, among other things, with other countries around the world.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the issue, ITAR and other restrictions are laws our government has put in place which make it difficult or impossible for US companies to sell things like satellite parts to other countries. This has crushed the US dominance in the world market over things like satellite components. The new reform deals with how licences are granted for import or export of said components. Educate yourself on the issue here, here, here, and here.

A relevant bill relating to licensing imports and exports of items on the munitions list can be read here.