The evolution of United States satellite and space launch technology export control policy

This thesis describes the evolution of U.S. space and missile export control policy from WWII to 2000. This system of policies involves legislation, directives, and regulations, and is shaped by political, economic, and technological factors. Domestic political pressure, crisis events, and the global political-economic environment influence this policy. The end of the Cold War, foreign events, ideology, defense industry changes, the nature of space technology, and a culture of international arms sales contribute to policy change.; Competing factors contribute to policy change, and the future may depend on the new President, or on a crisis that galvanizes public opinion. Export controls are strengthened in times of war, and relaxed in times of peace. Continuing global stability will likely relax the control regime, potentially accelerating the international arms trade, and increasing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.; A constrained export control regime could have negative impacts on the economy and commercial space industry. Dual-use technology export controls must carefully balance national economic and security interests.