The Center for Strategic and International Studies has released a report titled "Health of the U.S. Space Industrial Base and the Impact of Export Controls", available at:

http://diig-csis.org/calendar/detail.asp?EVENT_ID=261&MONTH_CHOICE=2&...

The Aerospace Industries Association states that the report "provides quantifiable evidence that the U.S. space industrial base has been weakened by U.S. export control policy for commercial satellites and their components. Based on a government survey of more than 200 U.S. companies, the report concludes that second- and third-tier suppliers, the source of much innovation, have been hit especially hard since export sales are vital to help offset their significant investments in research and development. The report identifies practical recommendations to improve controls on commercial satellites and components while still ensuring these technologies are protected appropriately."

Some particularly relevant passages:

Finding 9: Some elements of the export controls laws are in conflict with US National Space Policy.

Finding 6: The current export control policy has not prevented the rise of foreign space capabilities and in some cases has encouraged it.

Finding 11: The US is the only country that classifies commercial communications satellites as "munitions".

Dan Schultz N8FGV