The U.S. Department of State said it has suspended issuing licenses to export defense articles and services to Russia, a move that could have implications for commercial satellite and launch-related activities.
“The Department of State has placed a hold on the issuance of licenses that would authorize the export of defense articles and defense services to Russia. State will continue this practice until further notice,” the department wrote on its website March 27. The State Department made the move nine days after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine.
The State Department regulates all U.S. exports of military goods and services, which includes satellites, rockets and related technologies. Currently, launches of U.S. satellites and satellite components on Russian rockets require State Department licenses. Some U.S. space-related items are slated for transfer to Commerce Department export jurisdiction, but Commerce announced a similar suspension of licenses for exports to Russia March 1.
