March 1, 1999

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HEADLINE NEWS

U.S. Denial of China Satcoms Echos ’Round the World

WASHINGTON The Clinton Administration’s decision to block the sale of a pair of Hughes spacecraft to a consortium with ties to China’s military has left U.S. satellite builders more fearful than ever about their ability to compete abroad, but government officials are claiming the move does not represent any shift in long-term export policy.

By JOSEPH C. ANSELMO6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Pulse of Helo Industry Strong at Hai Show

DALLAS Amidst uncertainties about Asian economies, depressed prices for crude oil and concerns about regulatory action, the majority of manufacturers, suppliers and operators attending the 51st Helicopter Assn. International convention held here last week expect steady sales and moderate expansion of the industry in 1999.

By EDWARD H. PHILLIPS6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Eelv Funding: Is It Enough?

COLORADO SPRINGS and CAPE CANAVERAL Countering skeptics who doubt that two families of U.S. Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) boosters can be developed for approximately $1.5 billion each, USAF and contractor officials claim the program is on-schedule and will not require additional government money.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

France Advocates RLV Demonstrators

SAINT-MEDARD-EN-JALLES, FRANCE Europe must begin a major effort to develop reusable launch vehicle demonstrators or face the risk of eventually being surpassed by the U.S. and other competitors, French industry executives believe.

By PIERRE SPARACO4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Space-based Radar Development Begins

WASHINGTON Lockheed Martin, Spectrum Astro and TRW will compete to design and build a constellation of low-cost radar satellites that are intended to provide tactical commanders with up-to-date information on an enemy. The Pentagon kicked off the Discoverer-2 program late last month when it awarded $ 10-million concept definition contracts to the three companies.

By ROBERT WALL4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Tight Military Contests Put Australia on Map

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA Three competitions that are coming to a head—including intense helicopter and airborne early warning contests—are likely to make Australia a trendsetter for future military designs, especially elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region.

By GEOFFREY THOMAS4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Boeing Pledges ‘Zero Tolerance' Stance

NEW YORK Boeing Chairman and CEO Phil Condit intends to put the corporation’s underperforming businesses on notice: If they don’t shape up by year-end, they could become candidates for sale. During the next 6 months, every program and process will be examined for the amount of value they contribute to the overall corporation.

By ANTHONY L. VELOCCI3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Jem, Satcom Funds Edge Up

TOKYO Expenditures for Earth observation—including reconnaissance spacecraft—and communications satellite research are highlights of the $3.2-billion fiscal 1999 budgets approved for Japan’s various space agencies. The overall budgets, which take effect Apr. 1, represent a 1.8% increase over current spending.

By EIICHIRO SEKIGAWA3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Argos Mission Lofted After Long Delay

LOS ANGELES The Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (Argos)— the U.S. Air Force’s largest and most capable R&D satellite to date—was launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., after more than a month of delays caused by weather and technical problems.

By BRUCE A. SMITH3 min

February 221999

March 81999

March 1, 1999

March 1, 1999