U.S. eases export rules for space tech, but high-resolution radar satellites remain under tight control
Top Stories Tamfitronics Credit: Capella SpaceWASHINGTON The U.S. government last week announced a series of reforms to export control regulations for space technology exporters. However, the changes exclude space products that are in growing demand around the world such as high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.At the heart of the issue is a technical specification that determines whether satellite technology falls under less restrictive Commerce Department oversight or much more stringent State Department weapons controls. Only SAR systems operating at 500MHz or less bandwidth will benefit from the relaxed rules a threshold that industry executives say is already obsolete.Frank Backes, CEO of Capella Space, a California-based manufacturer and operator of SAR satellites, said the new regulations will benefit companies selling standard satellites and components. High-resolution SAR payloads still require licenses under the International...
