[Satellite Today 04-09-09] A major earthquake that struck L’Aquila, Italy, has closed a Thales Alenia Space plant, the company announced April 8.
    “We have taken all necessary measures to minimize the consequences for our customers and secure the site in collaboration with our insurers. We are waiting for the complete report to be finished, along with Italian authorities, to set up an action plan as quickly as possible,” the company said in the statement.
    Thales Alenia Space also confirmed that one of its employees was among the approximately 260 deaths attributed to the April 6 earthquake by Italian officials.
    Two of the company’s shareholders, Thales and Finmeccanica, are planning to set up a system that would allow employees to contribute to a fund for Thales Alenia Space employees in L’Aquila. Thales Alenia Space said it will donate an initial sum of 100,000 euros ($132,290) to local authorities as an emergency contribution.