MANASSAS, Va., 9 May 2005. BAE Systems' radiation hardened microprocessors (RAD750) are supporting another U.S. space exploration, this time for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Experimental Satellite System-11 (XSS-11) spacecraft.
The mission was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., April 11, boosting the satellite into Earth orbit.
The RAD750 single board computer, built at BAE Systems' Manassas, Va., facility, is the backbone of the spacecraft's command and data handling system, designed by Broad Reach Engineering Company.
BAE Systems' program manager Tom Bowmaster said, "The RAD750 will provide the necessary computing power in the command and data handling subsystem of the spacecraft, which enables control and telemetry in flying the XSS-11."
The mission will last 12 to 18 months. The XSS-11 will demonstrate new autonomous satellite features during encounters with six or seven spent rocket stages and inactive U.S. satellites. The microsatellite project is designed to test technologies that allow quick visual examinations or even maintenance of spacecraft in orbit.
BAE Systems has a 20-year history of providing radiation-hardened solutions for U.S. space programs. Its RAD6000 computers were installed on each of the still-operating Mars Rovers -- the only control and data computers aboard the two Rovers -- to execute flight, landing and exploration operations on Mars. The RAD750 represents the next-generation of space microprocessors, and was first launched onboard
NASA's Deep Impact mission.
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space.
BAE Systems North America is one of America's foremost national security, aerospace and information systems companies. It is a leading provider of electronic and information-based systems and knowledge-based solutions that meet its customers' mission effectiveness and operational safety needs. BAE Systems North America employs more than 30,000 people at sites across the United States and the United Kingdom and generates more than $5 billion in annual sales.
Broad Reach Engineering Co. develops and manufactures high-performance spacecraft hardware and software solutions for scientific, commercial, and military applications. The company's product line includes spacecraft avionics, including power and command and data handling, precision GPS receivers for space, spacecraft flight software, ground support hardware and software, and custom electronics for use on space missions. In addition Broad Reach provides systems engineering services for space missions. Broad Reach is a privately held small business with locations in Tempe, Ariz. and Golden, Colo.
For more information, see www.iews.na.baesystems.com or
www.broadreachengineering.com.
