The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has submitted comments to key government agencies, advocating for updates to space-related export controls. These revisions aim to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. space technology on a global scale.
"Modern export controls are essential in advancing U.S. global space leadership," stated Dak Hardwick, AIA’s Vice President of International Affairs. He emphasized the importance of efforts by the Department of State and the Department of Commerce in modernizing these controls, which he believes are crucial for maintaining the U.S.'s edge in space technology that supports national security and foreign policy goals. "AIA’s comments further strengthen these proposed changes and we are eager to continue collaborating with the Departments of State and Commerce to ensure the regulations are clear, consistent, and effective in supporting U.S. interests."
Steve Jordan Tomaszewski, AIA’s Vice President of Space Systems, reiterated this commitment: "As the U.S. space industrial base continues to expand and technological innovation accelerates, AIA, on behalf of the U.S. space industry, remains committed to advancing the space enterprise while protecting national security and enabling commercial space interests abroad."
In 2023, the U.S. aerospace and defense industry exported $135.9 billion worth of goods, underscoring its role as a leader in global trade and technological innovation. The rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates ongoing collaboration with entities like the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) to safeguard critical technologies vital for national and economic security.