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Thales Alenia Space welcomes success of ESA ministerial meeting

28 November 2008

Cannes, November 28, 2008 - Thales Alenia Space welcomes the decisions and budget allocations approved by the meeting of European ministers in charge of space activities in The Hague on November 25-26.

The approval of 30 new program items and nearly 10 billion euros in funding by the ministers in charge of space activities from the 18 ESA member states is a sign of their confidence in the European space sector and the companies active in the space industry. The ministers also recognized the importance of investing in the future during this period of international crisis.

As a major European company, Thales Alenia Space recognizes the significant efforts made by the member states, along with the strategic contribution made by the expertise acquired through its operations in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium, as well as the facilities of its partners in other countries. The fruit of over 40 years of investments in space, these capabilities constitute an essential asset for both current and future generations. Through ESA programs, Thales Alenia Space will continue to pursue excellence to meet the needs of these initiatives.

The new momentum given to meteorological and environmental monitoring consolidates a scientific and industrial base that is recognized as a global benchmark. The operational continuity of the Sentinelles missions with the scope of the GMES program (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security)-in which Thales Alenia Space plays a lead role-has been assured through the end of the next decade. Likewise, the Meteosat system-comprising satellites built in Cannes that have tracked climate conditions for past 30 years-will be rejuvenated thanks to the MTG third-generation spacecraft.

In a difficult context for program funding, ESA member states continue to support space exploration with commitments to finance the necessary reorganization of the ExoMars robotic rover program, for which Thales Alenia Space is prime contractor. Now extended to international cooperation with the United States and Russia, ExoMars will be able to enter an important new phase since it will be possible to gather samples at depths of up to two meters, where chemical compounds could have been protected from the sun's rays on the surface of the planet.

The recent success of the Columbus mission and the first flight of the ATV demonstrated the capabilities of the European space industry in this domain for the ministers. They have clearly signaled their support for these programs in order to maximize the benefits of investments made. This is reflected in the level of funding approved for operation of the ISS-the largest item in the budget approved during the meeting in The Hague-including launch of development on four ATV cargo carriers, a program in which Thales Alenia Space in Turin plays a pivotal role.

Continued funding has also been provided for communications technologies through the ARTES program, strengthening the ability of European manufacturers, including Thales Alenia Space, to remain at the forefront of this fiercely competitive high-tech sector.

About Thales Alenia Space
European leader in satellite systems and a major player in orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%). Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio embody the two groups' "Space Alliance". Thales Alenia Space sets the global standard in solutions for space telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defense and security, navigation and science. The company has a total of 7,200 employees and 11 industrial sites, with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.