OUTER SPACE OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE.

Paper number

IAC-09.E8.2.9

Author

Ms. Valnora Leister, United States

Year

2009

Abstract

International law has declared the outer space realm to be the "province of mankind", where national ownership claims are not
recognized as valid. Yet technologies necessary for mankind to reach and use this realm are controlled by national states, which want to use them to advance or defend their security interests.

In the United States -- a country whose industries own most of the leading space technologies -- the Government, by means of the International Transfer in Arms Regulations (ITAR), uses a licensing process to control transfer of space technologies from US industries to other countries.  

This paper will explore the detrimental effects caused by the current system of US transfer of space technologies upon private US aerospace industries as well as upon spacefaring nations.  Under the present system, countries that want their citizens to be engaged in the development of space programs often cannot obtain the required technical components controlled by the U.S. government. 

The new Obama administration has expressed an interest in changing the Government system to be more transparent and accessible. In the  transition into a new era for the U.S. government and the world, a look at opportunities to modify ITAR will be timely and important for outer space to realize its potential as a realm of the people, by the people and for the people of the world.

Abstract document

IAC-09.E8.2.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.E8.2.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.