SWF Attends Colorado Space Coalition Meeting

SWF Communication Director Phil Smith attended a meeting of the Colorado Space Coalition in Denver, Colorado on September 11. Among the topics discussed were conclusions of a survey conducted to highlight aerospace research relationships in the state by Dr. Ron Sega, an update on ITAR by attorney Rachel Yates (who is also a SWF Advisory Committee member), and inputs from industry members like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Ball Aerospace. Special guests included representatives from the Canadian Consulate, Congressman Doug Lamborn's office and Senator Michael Bennet's office. The meetings are chaired by Colorado Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien.

Dr. Sega explained results of the Aerospace Research Collaboratory (ARC) Questionnaire, which was filled out by fifteen respondees. The objective of the questionnaire was to identify where relationships exist between industry and research centers, how these relationships can be improved or enhanced, and which research areas require more attention. The findings indicated that these relationships are quite robust, and serve as a strong foundation for additional growth in the future, particularly in terms of "green" research. Areas related to this field include aerospace fuels and cleaner manufacturing techniques.

Following Dr. Sega's remarks was an industry update, including some detailed input from Ball Aerospace, ITT, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. In short, the industry appears to be going along well in Colorado, and seems insulated from the overall economic downturn. Ball did mention that its Colorado workforce has been substantially reduced in recent years.

Rachel Yates provided an update on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a sore subject for many in the industry. Yates pointed out that ITAR reform seems more likely now than during the previous White House administration. Discussions between the Department of State (which maintains the munitions list, which includes commercial satellite technology, under the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) and the Department of Commerce (generally believed to be a better fit for ITAR in terms of commercial satellite technology) are taking place, particularly in terms of the paperwork associated with the ITAR application process. Transfer of commercial satellite technology ITAR assessments to the Department of Commerce, should it happen, would not include China. Several bills are being considered by Congress designed to address ITAR reform, with some removing satellites from the munitions list entirely. Finally, a federal government report on the impact of ITAR to the industry is expected in February 2011.