The New Face of U.S. Export Controls on Satellites and Spacecraft

Is there a connection between the realignment of U.S. export controls and proliferation of small satellite applications and missions, or just coincidence? For years, many argued that ITAR control of U.S. satellites and spacecraft harmed the U.S satellite industry and industrial base. Has the transfer from ITAR control to the Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) of many satellites, spacecraft, and related items had an appreciable impact on the U.S. satellite and spacecraft industry? Separately, do the January 2017 modifications to the ITAR regarding spacecraft specially designed to provide inspection or surveillance of another spacecraft, or service another spacecraft via grappling or docking ease the concerns of U.S. industry regarding ITAR control of spacecraft designed to service satellites? Similarly, did the January 2017 modifications successfully address concerns of the U.S. remote sensing satellite industry, or did the creation of a “virtual ITAR” within the EAR fail to address industry concerns? Come hear this lively panel address these and other current issues.