BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3 - 05-962303: ALENIA SPAZIO

UNCLAS ROME 001870

SIPDIS


STATE FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR (E. PEARTREE);
EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETTC TSPA IT KOMC BLUE LANTERN
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3 - 05-962303: ALENIA SPAZIO

REF: A. STATE 86256


B. 03 ROME 5146


1. This is a response to reftel A, and conveys pre-license
information on application number 05-962303, on the export of
fuses from AEM Inc. to Alenia Spazio for use in the
Cosmo-SkyMed satellite program.


2. Econoffs met May 26 with Cosmo-SkyMed executives: Sandro
Fagioli, VP and General Manager; Umberto Corsi, VP
Purchasing; and Alessandro Mazzacchera, Procurement Manager.
Company representatives said they ordered 1,250
high-reliability fuses to outfit a fourth satellite in the
Cosmo-SkyMed program. Specifically, these fuses are used in
electronic front end equipment of the Cosmo satellite. The
company used fuses from its first order (reftel B) in the
construction of three satellites, contracted by the Ministry
of Defense and Italian Space Agency (ASI). This contract
included an option for a fourth satellite, which was recently
exercised.


3. Company representatives explained that approximately
1,280 fuses are required for each satellite, including
breakage allowances. The company will combine left-over
fuses from its first order of 4,500 (reftel B) with the
current order to ensure an adequate fuse supply for the
fourth satellite.


4. Based on the thorough and open nature of Alenia Spazio's
disclosure, Embassy believes the finding is satisfactory.
Please advise if any further post action or follow-up is
required.

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2005ROME01870 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED