DOD urges relaxed satellite controls

The Defense Department, after a two-year delay, released a report April 18 urging Congress to lift restrictions on satellite exports, and some experts – as well as the so-called 1248 report – say failure to do so could pose a threat to national security, reports Amber Corrin in Defense Systems. .

Currently satellites and related equipment are governed under the U.S. Munitions List, but the report advises control of satellites be transferred to the Commerce Department and that decision-making be handed over to the White House.

With the report finally released, it’s now up to Capitol Hill lawmakers to get the ball rolling on meaningful action. However, some familiar with satellite export control issues aren’t optimistic for true change.

To read Corrin's full report, click here.