News Release from: BAE Systems Aerospace Controls
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 11 May 2005
Radiation hardened microprocessors blast off
BAE Systems' radiation hardened microprocessors are supporting further US space exploration, this time for the Air Force Research Laboratory's Experimental Satellite System-11 spacecraft.
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BAE Systems' radiation hardened microprocessors (RAD750) are supporting further US 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, California on 11th April, boosting the satellite into Earth orbit. The RAD750 single board computer, built at BAE Systems' Manassas, Virginia facility, is the backbone of the spacecraft's command and data handling system, designed by Broad Reach Engineering Company.
BAE Systems' Programme 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 US 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 US space programmes.
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.
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