Export Controls

Transfers of Space-Related Items or Technical Data

Items, information, or software regarding satellites or their components or other space-related equipment or technology, are controlled as military items under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. By "components," we mean those that are specifically designed or modified for spacecraft, satellites, or systems for spacecraft or satellites.

Please contact one of these administrators at the start of a space-related research project. They will work with you to identify and resolve export controls issues at the outset.

• Department of Astronomy - Mary Mulvanerton, Administrative Director, 255-5436, mrm46@cornell.edu
• College of Engineering - Jeff Newman, Dir. of Research & Graduate Studies, 255-7413, jkn8@cornell.edu
• Other Departments - Hima Vatti, Associate Director ORIA, 255-8994, hv34@cornell.edu

If, however you are in the middle of a research project please contact them if you seek to:

• (1) Make either of these transfers abroad or to a non-U.S. person anywhere:
  
  
  • Transfer a spacecraft or a component specifically designed or modified for such.
    
    
    Such items are always controlled, even if they are freely available or were made overseas.
    
    
  • Transfer export-controlled information.
    
    
    Information is export-controlled if it is NOT public/published information; fundamental research results; or general math, science, or engineering principles commonly taught at schools or universities located anywhere in the world. Use Decision Tree III if you are unsure whether your information is export-controlled.
• (2) Make either of these transfers abroad or to a non-U.S. person anywhere:
  
  
  • Transfer an item or information in support of launch activities, including the integration of the satellite or other spacecraft to the launch vehicle.
  
  
  • Transfer software directly relating to satellites or their components or other space-related equipment or technology.
    
    
    Such software is always controlled for export. Software includes the system functional design, logic flow, algorithms, application programs, operating systems and support software for design, implementation, test, operation, diagnosis, or repair.
    
    
• (3) Do the following activity:
  
  
  • Assist or train a non-U.S. person anywhere in the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarization, destruction, or processing of a spacecraft, satellite, ground control station, GPS receiving equipment, or any components thereof.
    
    
    The ITAR terms such activities "defense services," even if they have nothing to do with military or defense-related equipment. However, providing instruction or guidance to students regarding such matters during fundamental research projects or in catalog-listed courses at universities does not generally require U.S. government permission.