WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.)
(NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR), a leading global provider of advanced space
technology solutions for commercial and government markets, applauds the
U.S. House of Representatives on the passage of a bill that would
modernize commercial satellite regulations and strengthen U.S.
competitiveness in this vital industry.
The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act, H.R. 2809, was passed
by the House of Representatives on April 24. The bill contains a number
of important provisions that would update and streamline licensing for
satellite remote sensing systems. If signed into law, it will become the
first major U.S. legislation to address the regulation of the commercial
remote sensing industry since the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of
1992. The U.S. Senate has not yet considered legislation to modernize
these regulations.
Maxar’s DigitalGlobe business was granted the first U.S. license to
operate a high-resolution commercial imaging satellite in 1993.
Technology and the global competitive landscape have changed
dramatically in the past quarter-century, and outdated regulations put
U.S. firms at a disadvantage in the international marketplace.
DigitalGlobe has waited months and in some cases years for government
approval of licenses.
The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act would clearly define
which technologies and business activities are regulated by the U.S.
Government and ensure that licensing decisions are made within 150 days,
at most, rather than in many months or years. This legislation would
also require the Secretary of Commerce to provide insight into how and
why licensing decisions were made, providing a greater degree of
predictability and transparency for the industry. Finally, this bill
would grant regulatory authority to a new and much-needed Office of
Space Commerce at the Deputy Undersecretary level within the Department
of Commerce.
“The reforms outlined in the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act
would allow U.S. companies to be more competitive, create jobs, spur
innovation, and advance U.S. leadership in space,” said Dr. Walter
Scott, Maxar CTO and Founder of DigitalGlobe.
“We want to express our deep gratitude to the many proponents of this
bill, most notably Chairman Lamar Smith, Subcommittee Chairman Brian
Babin, Ranking Member Ami Bera, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Congressman —
now NASA Administrator — Jim Bridenstine, and Congressman Derek Kilmer,”
he said. “They worked tirelessly to ensure this bill was the right one
and will keep the United States a leader of remote sensing technology.
We hope that the Senate will take action soon and look forward to this
becoming law.”
About Maxar Technologies
Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is a
leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for
commercial and government markets including satellites, Earth imagery,
robotics, geospatial data, and analytics. As a trusted partner, Maxar
Technologies provides unmatched integrated capabilities, solutions and
expertise to help customers anticipate and address their most complex
mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500
employees in over 31 locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of
commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe, and Radiant
Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar Technologies to
communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build
a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York
Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180425006898/en/
Maxar Technologies
Investor Relations Contact
Marissa
Poratto, (604) 331-2044
marissa.poratto@maxar.com
or
Media
Contact
Turner Brinton, (303) 684-4545
turner.brinton@maxar.com
Source: Maxar Technologies