MERRIMACK, N.H., 8 April 2009. BAE Systems in Nashua, N.H., will develop a military radar warning receiver to help protect U.S. surveillance satellites and military satellite communications from enemy anti satellite weapons attack.

BAE Systems will design a prototoye radar warning receiver prototype that can identify radio frequency (RF) and communications activity in real time, under terms of a $6.3 million U.S. Air Force contract to support the Air Force Satellite Awareness and Protection program.

The three-year contract calls for BAE Systems to develop a low-cost receiver prototype that detects when satellites are targeted by radar. It will have more capability than previous receivers at only a fraction of the size, weight, and power consumption, making it easier and less expensive to integrate onto satellites.

"Satellites are integral to worldwide banking, communications, television, navigation, weather forecasting, and remote sensing capabilities," says Eric Rhodes, business development manager for BAE Systems. "The U.S. relies on satellites for national security, our economy, and science programs, and this technology will help our nation keep these capabilities secure."

The Air Force Satellite Awareness and Protection program is to develop better mechanisms to warn and protect satellites against attack.

For more information contact BAE Systems online at www.baesystems.com.