Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) could face fines of up to $60 million and be barred from selling "controlled technologies" to foreign companies following a US State Department investigation into the transfer of sensitive data to China in the mid-1990s. The State Department has drawn up several charges under arms export regulations against BSS - formerly Hughes Space and Communications and acquired by Boeing from Hughes Electronics in 2000 - after the transfer of data relating to two failed launches of Long March rockets in 1995-6 and unauthorised relaying of Astra satellite specifications. The transfer of information resulted from joint investigations into the launches. Similar charges have already resulted in Space Systems/Loral being fined $14 million for similar misdemeanours.
Source: Flight International