We may imagine that a space company begins with only a few
screws and some sheet metal in a garage.1 But regardless
of its origins, not long after that early phase, that same company
is likely to have a global reach. Commercial space companies
inherently involve elements such as international supply chains,
foreign customers, and design and engineering talent from around
the world.
For that reason, outdated U.S. export controls—regulations
that restrict commercial space and satellite commodities,
technology, and software as if they were military assets—can
burden space companies of all sizes and, particularly, keep the
smaller businesses from reaching competitive viability.
1. The October 2024 Space Rules