In the past, the United States\u27 satellite export control regime has acted as a barrier to entry for the commercial space industry and has stifled the growth of space startups that are beginning to become more common as access to space becomes more affordable. Within the span of two decades, agency responsibility for satellite exports has changed hands multiple times for economic, political, and national security reasons. In 2013, Congress passed a bill authorizing the President of the United States to determine which regulations govern satellite exports. President Obama, the State Department, and the Commerce Department are taking full advantage of this congressionally granted leeway and are proposing rules that could have a significantly positive impact on the American commercial satellite industry, especially on fledgling space startups. In light of the potential positive benefits of America\u27s updated satellite export control regime, this Comment assesses the implications of this legislative update, the potential for positive economic impacts on the American satellite industry, and what the update could mean for entrepreneurs who are beginning to look toward the stars for their next venture
