US Department of Commerce has expanded space export control oversight
The US Department of Commerce has significantly expanded its role in commercial space activities, including launching a new ‘Space Traffic Safety System’ and streamlining satellite export controls, according to a report released by the Department’s Office of Space Commerce.
‘The Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security provided significant regulatory relief to the U.S. space industry, particularly when exporting spacecraft and related items to U.S. allies and partners by streamlining relevant export controls,’ according to the report published 14 January.
The Department noted it has implemented faster licensing procedures for commercial remote sensing satellites, reducing approval timelines to an average of 21 days, while removing ‘dozens of conditions from its licenses that had previously restricted U.S. remote sensing firms from operating at their full capability.’
The Commerce Department said it has also initiated international coordination efforts, conducting joint analysis with the European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking program and establishing commercial space dialogues with multiple nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India and Japan.
