It is because of the provisions we've been reading from, including section 5622 in the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act, which says, “No person who is subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United States”, which would mean ATK, as the rule goes on to stipulate, “may, directly or through any subsidiary or affiliate, operate any private remote sensing space system without a license pursuant to section 5621 of this title”.
On April 3rd, 2008. See this statement in context.