Background
The current implementation of ITAR (U.S. State Department regulations that govern the export of restricted defense articles and services to foreign nations) poses a challenge to both the opportunities for the U.S. to sustain its leadership in space research and to capitalize on the benefits that can be gained from international cooperation in space activities.
The flags, from top to bottom, of Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, the United States of America and Russia fly in the stiff breeze at the Soyuz launch pad on April 17, 2004, in preparation for the launch of the Expedition 9 crew and a European researcher to the International Space Station (ISS). Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Action
Because the impacts of ITAR are particularly acute in space research, USRA is working with the Issues and Program Committee to address the following concerns of our member institutions:
- ambiguities surrounding the interpretation of ITAR;
- uncertainty in what material can be used in an engineering course curriculum in which non-U.S. students are enrolled;
- cost of ITAR compliance;
- and obstacles for collaboration among U.S. or foreign universities, federal laboratories, and U.S. industrial partners.
For further information on this initiative, please read the Briefing for the Congressional Export Control Working Group, "The Impact of Export Controls on Non-Profit and University R&D Efforts" and USRA's position paper, "Recommended Government Actions to Balance the Adverse Impact on ITAR on U.S. Space-Related Scientific Research with the Needs of U.S. National Security".
