On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM, Bill Ress <b...@hsmicrowave.com> wrote: This continues to be a real sore spot with > University research programs on things related to satellites or any of > the areas subject to ITAR. It's get especially tricky when students, > which are foreign nationals, try to become involved. >
> Greg D. wrote: >> I wonder if we could hook up with a university somewhere? Become part >> of their graduate program in Astro-something, even get some graduate >> students to help with the design and manufacture... What sort of >> restrictions do they have on the definition of a "student"? >> >> Just a thought, >> >> Greg KO6TH Hi, I fall into that category (at present) - and did not have any issue with my affiliation with AMU and recent contact with JPL on education matters etc. I beg to differ with the doom and gloom everywhere I see at AMSAT, Bill. Point: If you are studying at US School, you are either a resident of the USA or a visitor. All F-1, J-1 Visa holders are visitors. And they should not be involved in any high technology subjects that are not within the purview of a published syllabus by their academic institution. Their academic advisors would need to arrange which technologies they work with, and what restrictions they will fall under. * I don't think these students would be able to find time to join an AMSAT hobby, but if so, why not, as long as they don't go near a satellite tech project and stay limited to user mode. Point: If you are a US Lawful Permanent Resident, ITAR applies and you are OK Point: If you are a Citizen, ITAR applies and you are OK Point: If you are a foreign citizen: please don't apply for any ITAR job, and be *very* careful about what you get your hands on while in the US borders. Note: Universities may be able to obtain permission to incorporate students into ITAR research areas, but that is probably because they have a good reason to do so (academic campus, partnerships and so on). This should have nothing to do with AMSAT ever. What is left is that if we are (amsat-na) limited to sourcing talent from USA citizens and USA residents, what is the problem here? To be ITAR compliant, make a self-certification and have it reviewed by the organisation wanting to work with you. If it was the case that we could not find talent in the USA (hello...) then I would be worried. Besides, I'm surprised that you are not seeming to take any account of the numerous foreign students who come to the US and obtain legal residency after they graduate, and then they stay as an LPR for about 5 years, during which they are ITAR compliant and can work with us. So, why worry ? http://mae.pennnet.com/display_article/366112/32/ARTCL/none/EXECW/1/ITAR-violations-have-produced-high-profile-defense-export-penalties/ If any AMSAT-xx body wants to help AMSAT-NA that is of course allowed and welcome under ITAR, through a TAA; what is wrong with that ? They can choose to divulge their technology or not, or give cash or not, as long as the payload flies. For AMSAT-xx wanting help from AMSAT-NA, then I don't see why they need to be given access to our tech, keeping in mind the current ITAR regime, unless it was a for a joint development where they have something, we have something. Then again the big question is "where is the integration" taking place ? In the US or abroad ? Still the big question (for me) is can AMSAT encourage more to join and volunteer/donate so that US ITAR folks (citizens and LPR) can fly more missions ! Or, better still, is there a job market for ITAR compliant folks who want to design spacecraft ? _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
