The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Thursday it will ease export restrictions on space-related technology, responding to long-standing demands from space companies for regulatory reforms governing international trade.
This is the most significant update to space-related export regulations in a decade, and will further expand opportunities for U.S. companies to sell satellite hardware overseas.
“We are very excited about this development,” a senior Commerce Department official said on a background call with reporters. “I think it makes a lot of sense for the interests of the company and will certainly be promoted.” Secure transactions with our partners. ”
delayed reform
One of the changes will allow U.S. companies to export more products related to electro-optical and radar remote sensing, as well as space-based logistics, assembly, or service spacecraft for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It will be.
“Restrictions on some less sensitive space technology and spacecraft-related items sent to our closest allies, such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, will be relaxed,” a senior Commerce Department official said. It will be a good strategy.” Providing it to American companies would foster innovation without compromising critical technologies that keep our country safe. ”
Another update to Commerce Department regulations allows exports of “certain spacecraft components” to more than 40 allies, including NATO and European Union members, Argentina, Australia, Canada, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. Requirement is removed. , Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and Taiwan. Officials said this would also increase license exceptions to support NASA’s cooperative programs with other countries.
