U.S. government eases export controls on space technologies – SpaceNews

The United States Department of Commerce is making it easier for American companies to sell space vehicles to allied nations. They are doing this by easing export control regulations. Many of the existing technologies would be reclassified as commercial technologies rather than weapons and satellites will be removed from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) munitions list. While this may make it easier for U.S. based companies to sell their technologies to foreign allies, it could potentially make it much easier for enemy nations to get their hands on some of this sensitive technology. In my opinion, this policy change puts American space (cyber)security at great risk. Intentionally enforcing this new lenient policy leaves gaps in the export control regulations. It allows someone to pose as an “ally” working for an enemy nation to gain any sort of information on new technology. The article claims that the goal is to “reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers for allied countries while enforcing collective security”. While this may be true and will relieve those barriers, it leaves gaps vulnerable to bad actors.