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26 January 1999

FACT SHEET: SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT

(Among Kazakhstan-Russia-United States) (660)
Washington -- "The Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) signed today
by the U.S., Russia and Kazakhstan provides critical protection for
sensitive U.S. technology used in the launching of U.S.-licensed
spacecraft," the State Department announced January 26.
The State Department noted that "the TSA is a prerequisite for future
launches, but the agreement itself does not authorize launches....
"Under the agreement, the U.S., Russia and Kazakhstan commit to take
the steps necessary to preclude the unauthorized access to and
transfer of protected technologies associated with the launching of
U.S. satellites (and other satellites with U.S. components) by Russia
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome" (the Baikonur, Kazakhstan Space Center).
Following is the State Department text:
(Begin text)
U.S. FACT SHEET
SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT
KAZAKHSTAN-RUSSIA-UNITED STATES
January 26, 1999
Moscow
Background
Previous Satellite Technology Safeguards Agreements with Russia and
Kazakhstan
For previous launches, the countries entered into separate trilateral
agreements (sometimes referred to as "INMARSAT-3 Agreements" after the
first agreement).
We concluded the umbrella trilateral agreement so that it will not be
necessary to negotiate separate satellite technology safeguard
agreements (TSAs) prior to each launch, and to improve the technology
protections provisions in light of the experience we have gained in
monitoring launches of U.S. satellites, equipment and data.
Relationship to U.S. Licensing Process
The TSA complements the U.S. licensing process by facilitating, on a
government-to-government basis, the monitoring of Russian launches of
U.S. satellites from Baikonur, and reinforcing other safeguard
measures imposed through the license process.
The agreement also specifies procedures in Russia and Kazakhstan in
the event of launch failures.
Authorization for Future Launches
The TSA is a prerequisite for future launches, but the agreement
itself does not authorize launches.
This agreement reflects the U.S. commitment to continued space launch
cooperation with Russia and Kazakhstan because it is in our mutual
interests. But our national security interests also require that we
not go beyond the current quota for high-orbit launches until the
problem of missile cooperation between Russian enterprises and the
Iranian missile program is resolved.
If Russia halts all sensitive technology transfers to the Iranian
missile program, this agreement will pave the way to even greater
space launch cooperation in the future.
The Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) signed today by the U.S.,
Russia and Kazakhstan provides critical protection for sensitive U.S.
technology used in the launching of U.S.-licensed spacecraft.
This agreement will permit the resumption of new U.S. satellite
launches, and launches of satellites with U.S. components, on Russian
launch vehicles from the Baikonur, Kazakhstan Space Center (the
Baikonur Cosmodrome). It represents the close cooperation among the
governments on space launch activities and highlights their mutual
interest in protecting sensitive technologies.
The TSA is an important part of U.S. non-proliferation policy and
reflects our strong commitment to a vigorous and effective U.S. export
control system.
Major Provisions
Under the agreement, the U.S., Russia and Kazakhstan commit to take
the steps necessary to preclude the unauthorized access to and
transfer of protected technologies associated with the launching of
U.S. satellites (and other satellites with U.S. components) by Russia
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
The agreement establishes controlled access to U.S. satellites to
ensure strict protection of U.S. technology. It specifies procedures
to ensure that U.S. Department of Defense personnel can monitor U.S.
technology in Russia and Kazakhstan, and specifies procedures in the
event of a launch failure (i.e., crash) of a space launch vehicle
carrying U.S. satellites, equipment and data.
The document reflects a government-to-government agreement among the
U.S., Kazakhstan and Russia that will enable U.S. licensees to carry
out fully their responsibilities under U.S. export licenses even while
operating in Russia and Kazakhstan.
(End text)