The Space Foundation has published a white paper entitled "ITAR and the U.S. Space Industry." The paper examines the effect of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which govern the export of space technology. Concerns about ITAR's impact on the business practices and cost structures of the space industry prompted the paper, which combines data from government and industry sources. The paper weighs the balance of vital national security measures and a healthy trade environment for the U.S. space economy as it competes in the world market. "The Space Foundation believes the export regulations should be modernized to prevent further damage to the U.S. space industry and especially lower-tier suppliers," said Marty Hauser, vice president, Washington Operations, Research and Analysis. "These suppliers are the 'family farms' that are a major source of innovation. Our white paper recommends changes to improve U.S. competitiveness overseas while still protecting sensitive technology."

Findings of the report include the impact of ITAR compliance on companies of different sizes, the implications for the U.S. space economy, and the effect on space technology innovation here and abroad. The report proposes steps to modernize ITAR, enabling the regulations to accomplish their original purpose of protecting important security technologies while allowing more U.S. space companies to compete successfully in the global economy.

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