1248 Report Released (Updated)

The Defense and State departments just released a congressionally mandated report on export controls for satellites.

From the report's executive summary:

The Departments of Defense (DoD) and State (DoS) conducted this review and identified two satellite types, and related items, that are not purely defense-related and thus should not be designated as defense articles on the USML or controlled under the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by DoS. These satellites and related items do not contain technologies unique to the United States (U.S.) military industrial base nor are they critical to national security. In particular, the Departments believe the following items are more appropriately designated as dual-use items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR):

* Communications satellites (COMSATs) that do not contain classified components;

* Remote sensing satellites with performance parameters below certain thresholds; and

* Systems, subsystems, parts and components associated with these satellites and with performance parameters below thresholds specified for items remaining on the USML.

To view the full report, click here.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee Chairman Mike turner (R-OH) just released a statement on the report:

"I am glad that the Administration has finally submitted this long overdue report. I look forward to looking at how the report takes into account the vital mission of protecting U.S. space technology from diversion to the space, counter-space and ballistic missile programs of other nations.

"However, the Administration's request for blanket authority to relax our export control regime over thousands of space technologies would not make this country safer, or further our goals. For four years the State Department has dragged its feet on enforcing the current regime; specifically when it comes to companies the Department believes have illegally diverted our space technology to China. Asking for this authority, with those facts in mind, suggests a lack of seriousness about the Administration's commitment to protecting U.S. space technology."