ITAR Keeps Virgin Galactic In the U.S., for Now

摘要

Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson said Dec. 3 that U.S. technology-export rules will prevent Virgin Galac-tic's space tourism business from operating outside the United States until the company receives a specific waiver.rnAddressing the European Space Solutions conference in London, Branson said the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) effectively will keep Virgin Galactic on U.S. territory only, starting with its New Mexico spaceport, at least for the time being.rnBranson said the company intends eventually to seek the necessary export licenses to operate its SpaceShipTwo craft from non-U.S. sites, but that this will require a special regulatory effort with the U.S. government.rnITAR rules as currently applied class numerous space-related hardware items as weapons for export purposes.