BIS, State Seek Comments on Export Controls for Spacecraft, Launch Vehicles

The Bureau of Industry and Security and the State Department seek comments by April 22 to inform its review of recently revised export controls on launch vehicles and spacecraft, they said in two separate notices. Conducted as part of their work on the National Space Council, the agencies seek input on how to streamline controls for the commercial space industry, particularly in light of recent moves from U.S. Munitions List Categories IV and XV to the dual use Commerce Control List.

Specific issues BIS wants addressed include controls for habitats, planetary rovers and planetary systems under Export Control Classification Number 9A515, as well as whether any technologies are controlled on the USML but not sufficiently described, and should be on the CCL instead. State specifically seeks comments on controls for space telescopes and supply activities for the International Space Station and other future space stations.

Both agencies also asked for input on emerging or new technologies that warrant further review or control but are not currently described on either the USML or CCL, and also specifically on appropriate controls on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s planned Lunar Gateway. In general, both agencies also asked for input on appropriate controls on any defense articles that have entered commercial use since the last revisions to these categories or that are expected to enter commercial use in the next five years.

(Federal Register 03/08/19)