NDAA Signed into Law; Paving the Way for Improved U.S. Space Competitiveness

UPDATE: The FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes language that significantly modernizes space-related provisions within the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) law, was signed into law by the President on Jan. 3, paving the way for the United States to become more competitive in the global space arena.

“For years, we have watched the U.S. lose ground against global competitors because of the largely unintentional consequences of onerous regulations on space technology for export,” said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham. “Now, thanks to the hard work of a number of individuals — most especially Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) — our nation will be able to once again vigorously compete in an industry we helped invent.”

The law gives the administration discretion to transfer certain less sensitive satellites and satellite components from the restrictive United States Munitions List to the less restrictive Commerce Control List, thus allowing U.S. space businesses to sell more space products and services outside the U.S. and to enter into more business relationships with global partners.

“While this achievement has been a long time coming, important steps remain in order to implement this change. We look forward to working with the administration in 2013 to ensure American Space competitiveness is maximized while keeping sensitive technologies out of the wrong hands,” said Pulham.