Alenia Spazio has signed a deal to supply the main subsystems for three CD Radio satellites (with an option on a fourth), to be built by Loral Space Systems. The Italian company beat Alcatel to the contract. The first satellite, based on an FS-1300 body, is to be launched in August 1999.
The deal comes at a good time for Alenia Spazio.The company is being established as an independent operation as part of the restructuring by state-owned parent Finmeccanica - the precursor to being merged with one of two European groups now courting it.
An Alcatel group, which will also eventually include Aerospatiale and Thomson-CSF space activities, has been in Rome recently for meetings with Government and industry officials. Matra Marconi Space is also attempting to merge with the Italian company. A decision is expected by the middle of the year.
Source: Flight International
