Tags: ITAR, Space Law
Publication: NYTimes.com
Publication Date: 01/03/2013

Second GPS IIF satellite built by Boeing. Image credit: The Boeing Company

President Obama has signed the law that now makes communications satellites legal for civilian export.

In 1999, the American government categorized satellites as weapons and restricted their export in fear that the technology could fall into the wrong hands. Satellite manufacturers were forced to pull their products from the international market. The move caused a decline in the American share of the market from a dominating position before 1999 to approximately 50 percent today.

Last week, President Obama signed a defense bill that lifts the ban and allows American companies, such as Boeing, Hughes and Space Systems/Loral, to reenter the international market. To the joy of the industry, communications satellites are back to being considered civilian technology. It is expected that the move will help the country regain its position in the international market.

The law continues to restrict export activities with China, North Korea, Iran and other nations considered foes of the United States.

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