From: Lyle_Seaman@transarc.com
paul@poboy.b17c.ingr.com (Paul Robichaux) writes:
I never knew that encryption fell under MTCR in addition to ITAR. Presumably any crypto hardware or software which can be used to protect missile or satellite telemetry or commanding can be restricted.
It's my understanding that, according to international missile treaties (probably the MTCR), missile telemetry data must be transmitted in the clear. This is ostensibly so that the various world powers can be assured that a "test" missile launch really is a test and is not going to wipe out someone's capital. It's also so that various intelligence agencies can have accurate estimates of everyone's capabilities. This knowledge is widely viewed as stabilising.
The space shuttle has provision for receive only secure voice for the same reason. On military missions they carry up codelists such as one would use over insecure medium. One wonders if they install a locking door on one of the lockers for securing classified.