Global Business in Iran Database
In-depth metrics and analysis of Iran's international economic partnerships.
Carlo Gavazzi Space S.p.A.-Iranian Space Agency, Satellite
description
Italy's Carlo Gavassi SpA has built two Mesbeh communications satellites for Iran's Space Agency since 2003. The first Mesbeh was destroyed in a mishap in 2005. The Italian firm has denied recent pronouncements by Iran that it will aid Iran's Space Agency in launching another satellite by the end of 2009. As part of the contract, Italy transfered aerospace technology to the Iranian Space Agency. In a January 2010 article, Giulio Meotti alleged that Carlo Gavassi also gave technical assisstance to Iran and transfered aerospace technology.
Italy's Foreign Ministry responded to Mr. Meotti's article by noting that Italian authorities rejected Carlo Gavassi's request for export permits for the Mesbeh satellites. Furthermore, the second phase of the Mesbeh program (Mesbeh-2) never went beyond the planning stage.
- Country: Italy
- Client: Iranian Space Agency
- Contractor: Carlo Gavazzi Space SpA
- Amount (Current Dollar Value): $11.3 million
Status
- Current Status:
- Discussion Date: Wed, 2009-11-11
- Contract Date:
- Completion Date:
Citation
1. "Italian company says no launch for Iran satellite", AP, 6 November 2009, available at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jERKE5OFMuPgN6pSyf8bfx....
2. "Iran readies launch of new satellite", UPI, 9 November 2009, available at http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Iran_readies_launch_of_new_satellite_999....
3. Giulio Meotti, "The Rome Tehran Axis", Wall Street Journal, 14 January 2010, available at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870351030457462562091429545....
