Export Controls: Issues Related to the Export of Communications Satellites.

Abstract

The U.S. export control system-comprised of both the Commerce and State systems-is about managing risk. Exports to some countries involve less risk than to other countries and exports of some items involve less risk than others. The planning of a satellite launch with technical discussions and exchanges of information taking place over several months involves risk no matter which agency is the licensing authority. Recently, events have focused concern on the appropriateness of Commerce jurisdiction over communications satellites. This is a difficult judgment. By design, Commerce's system gives greater weight to economic and commercial concerns, implicitly accepting greater security risks. And by design, State's system gives primacy to national security and foreign policy concerns, lessening-but not eliminating-the risk of damage to U.S. national security interests.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 17, 1998
Accession Number
ADA349340

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Arms Control
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Commerce
  • Commercial Communications
  • Control Systems
  • Export Controls
  • Exports
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Ground Stations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Technology Transfer
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites