ECCN 9A004
NSRSATSpace launch vehicles and spacecraft, spacecraft buses, spacecraft payloads, spacecraft on-board systems or equipment, terrestrial equipment, and air-launch platforms, and sub-orbital craft, as follows .
What This ECCN Covers
ECCN 9A004 covers space launch vehicles, spacecraft, spacecraft buses, spacecraft payloads, on-board systems, terrestrial equipment for space operations, air-launch platforms, and sub-orbital craft. This is a complex entry that partially overlaps with ITAR jurisdiction — items in 9A004.a are actually controlled under USML Category IV, while items in 9A004.b through .f are controlled under ECCN 9A515. The entry exists to harmonize with the Wassenaar Arrangement list. Practically, exporters primarily deal with sub-entries .g (re-entry vehicles), .r, .s, .u through .y for commercial space applications under EAR jurisdiction.
Who needs to check this?
Commercial space launch providers, satellite manufacturers, spacecraft component suppliers, and companies developing sub-orbital flight systems or ground control equipment for space applications.
Compliance tip
This ECCN has significant ITAR/EAR jurisdiction overlap. Before classifying under 9A004, determine whether your item is "specially designed" for defense applications (ITAR) or has a predominantly commercial use (EAR). When in doubt, submit a commodity jurisdiction (CJ) request to the State Department DDTC.
Items Covered
- a.Space launch vehicles.
- b."Spacecraft."
- c."Spacecraft buses."
- d."Spacecraft payloads" incorporating items specified by 3A001.b.1.a.4 or z (if also described in 3A001.b.1.a.4), 3A002.g, 5A001.a.1, .b.3, 5A002.c, z.3 or z.8, .e, z.5, 6A002.a.1, a.2, .b, .d, 6A003.b, 6A004.c, .e, 6A008.d, .e, .k, .l or 9A010.c.
- e.On-board systems or equipment, specially designed for "spacecraft" and having any of the following functions:
- 1. 'Command and telemetry data handling;'
- 2. 'Payload data handling;' or
- 3. 'Attitude and orbit control;'
- f.Terrestrial equipment specially designed for "spacecraft," as follows:
- 1. Telemetry and telecommand equipment specially designed for any of the following data processing functions:
- 1.a. Telemetry data processing of frame synchronization and error corrections, for monitoring of operational status (also known as health and safe status) of the "spacecraft bus;" or
- 1.b. Command data processing for formatting command data being sent to the "spacecraft" to control the "spacecraft bus;"
- 2. Simulators specially designed for 'verification of operational procedures' of "spacecraft".
- g."Aircraft" specially designed or modified to be air-launch platforms for space launch vehicles or "sub-orbital craft."
- h."Sub-orbital craft."
- r.In-space habitats, other than the International Space Station (ISS).
- s."Parts," "components," "accessories," and "attachments" that are specially designed for in-space habitats in 9A004.r and that are NOT:
- 1. Described on the USML;
- 2. Described in ECCN 7A004 or 7A104;
- 3. Described in an ECCN containing "space-qualified" as a control criterion (refer to 9A515.x.4); or
- s.4 Described in 9A001, 9A002, 9A003, 9A515, or 9A991.
- u.The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) being operated under the supervision of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- v."Parts," "components," "accessories," and "attachments" that are specially designed for the James Webb Space Telescope and that are NOT:
- 1. Described on the USML;
- 2. Microelectronic circuits;
- 3. Described in ECCN 7A004 or 7A104; or
- 4. Described in an ECCN containing "space-qualified" as a control criterion (refer to 9A515.x.4).
- w.The International Space Station being operated under the supervision of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- x."Parts," "components," "accessories," and "attachments" that are specially designed for the International Space Station.
- y.Items that would otherwise be within the scope of ECCN 9A004.s or .x but that have been identified in an interagency-cleared commodity classification (CCATS) pursuant to § 748.3(e) as warranting control in 9A004.y.
- 1. Discrete electronic components not specified in 9A515.e;
- 2. Thermistors for spacecraft applications;
- 3. RF microwave bandpass ceramic filters (e.g., Dielectric Resonator Bandpass Filters);
- 4. Hall effect sensors for spacecraft applications;
- 5. Subminiature (SMA and SMP) plugs and connectors, TNC plugs and cable and connector assemblies with SMA plugs and connectors for spacecraft applications;
- 6. Flight cable assemblies for spacecraft applications;
- 7. Public address (PA) systems;
- 8. Audio selector panels;
- 9. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant lavatories and body waste management systems;
- 10. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant hygiene facilities and systems;
- 11. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant crew rest equipment or sleeping quarters;
- 12. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant galleys or food preparation or serving systems;
- 13. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant entertainment systems;
- 14. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant exercise systems;
- 15. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant laundry systems;
- 16. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant safety systems not including launch abort systems/launch escape systems, ejector seats, spacesuits, flight suits, helmets, or parts and components therefor;
- 17. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant storage units, facilities, or systems (for items related to human safety, welfare, and health);
- 18. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant medical facilities or health-related systems for monitoring, evaluating, or assessing, or for providing treatments;
- 19. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant information systems (e.g., personal laptops and phones);
- 20. Name plates, identification plates, and identification systems;
- 21. Internal, external, and emergency lighting systems;
- 22. Humidity and CO2 removal systems;
- 23. Potable water storage systems;
- 24. Water regeneration systems;
- 25. Air filters, filter networks, or air quality systems;
- 26. Space heaters, temperature sensors, or thermostats for human habitation;
- 27. Environmental control systems for human habitation;
- 28. Spacecraft environmental control systems (e.g., air conditioner, air distribution, air filtration and sanitation, CO2 removal, cabin pressure control, dehumidifier, fire suppression system, nitrogen oxygen recharge system, heater systems, thermostats);
- 29. Plant growth systems;
- 30. Fire extinguishers;
- 31. Flame, smoke, or CO2 detectors;
- 32. Fire suppression systems;
- 33. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant seats and parts and components;
- 34. Spaceflight crew, passenger, or participant ejection seat mounted survival aids;
- 35. Spaceflight crew, passenger, or participant life rafts;
- 36. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant locator beacons;
- 37. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant mirrors;
- 38. Spacecraft crew, passenger, or participant windows;
- 39. Spacecraft locator beacons;
- 40. Viewing windows on non-crewed spacecraft;
- 41. Hydraulic, pneumatic, oil, fuel, gas, propellant, fluid, and thermal control fluid reservoirs, filters, filter assemblies, tubing, lines, hoses, check valves, and quick disconnects, and associated fittings, couplings, clamps, brackets, adapters, valves, gaskets, and shims;
- 42. Gauges and indicators;
- 43. Filtered and unfiltered panel knobs, indicators, annunciator panels, switches, buttons and dials;
- 44. Energy dissipating pads for cargo or crew;
- 45. Bracket adapters for bus and payload structures;
- 46. Latches and hinges;
- 47. Boom assemblies;
- 48. Multiplexor and Demultiplexors (MUX & DEMUX);
- 49. Switches, switch bank assemblies, beam select switches, transfer switch assemblies, switch matrices, thermal switches;
- 50. Magnetic torque bars;
- 51. Filters, filter networks;
- 52. Network switches;
- 53. Antenna feed horns;
- 54. Diplexers, modulators, demodulators;
- 55. Backshells, pins, and contacts;
- 56. Measurement devices;
- 57. Non Propulsive landing systems (e.g., skids, inflatable);
- 58. Electrical connectors;
- 59. Electric fans;
- 60. Microphones;
- 61. Speakers;
- 62. Circuit breakers; and
- 63. Printed circuit boards.
2 items reserved by BIS (not shown)
Control Reasons
Items controlled for national security reasons under multilateral export control regimes.
Items controlled for regional stability reasons.
Items controlled for anti-terrorism reasons. Most items on the CCL have AT controls.
Disclaimer
This information is for reference only. For official classifications, consult BIS or a qualified export control professional.