AIA backs study that claims export controls have hurt the satellite business

WASHINGTON, 20 Feb. 2008. The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) in Washington is endorsing a report released this week that suggests U.S. export-control policy for commercial satellites and components has weakened the nation's space industrial base.

The report, by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, concludes that second- and third-tier suppliers have been hit especially hard since export sales help offset their research and development costs. The CSIS based its report on a survey of more than 200 U.S. companies.

"The report highlights the negative impact of U.S. policy on one of our nation's key strategic assets," according to an AIA statement. "The U.S. space industrial base provides our warfighters with state-of-the-art communications, navigation, surveillance, weather forecasting capabilities and missile-warning assets."

The report identifies practical recommendations to improve controls on commercial satellites and components while still ensuring these technologies are protected appropriately, AIA officials say.

For more information contact the AIA online at www.aia-aerospace.org.