Satellites no longer considered weapons under US law

New Scientist : Since 1999 the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations has regulated satellites and related technology as munitions. Known as ITAR, the law severely limited the ability of American satellite companies to sell their products internationally. On 3 January, President Obama signed a revision to the law that allows for the export of Earth-orbiting satellites and associated technology except to some countries, including China, Iran, and North Korea. ITAR will also now allow foreign students at US universities to have access to technical documents from US aerospace companies. However, it still restricts technology such as crew capsules and long-distance spacecraft. That could hamper international efforts to develop spacecraft for exploring asteroids or other planets.