[Satellite TODAY 08-17-09] U.S President Barack Obama is directing the U.S. National Security Council and the U.S. National Economic Council to undertake a comprehensive review of the U.S. export control system, the White House announced Aug. 14.
    The administration study is intended to address issues concerning technologies on the U.S. munitions list and implementation of better licensing caseload management models.
    The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) hailed the decision. “This is a very welcome development. … While license processing times have improved over the last year and a half, there is much more that can and should be done to modernize the system,” AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said in a statement.
    In April, the U.S. Congress, led by Democrats, said it would form committees to consider drafting a new version of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Bill that could ease export controls associated with International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which classifies satellite technology as weapons.

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