The BAE Systems-led team has submitted a final proposal to NASA for a key launch and guidance system for the Ares I which will replace the Space Shuttle after its retirement in 2010.
The team submitted its Ares I Instrumentation Unit Avionics (IUA) final proposal on July 30 in response to NASA’s request for an avionics solution for Ares I that meets the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability, while being affordable enough to support its expendable mission. The Ares I avionics design will play key roles in launch and guidance of the Ares I crew launch vehicle during its manned ascent to low-earth orbit.
“Our team is 100 percent committed and ready to produce a cost effective Ares I avionics solution that meets and exceeds all the technical and safety requirements, while keeping the program on schedule and on budget,” said BAE Systems Customer Solutions President Dr. Marshall Banker. “Our team is able to offer NASA unparalleled efficiencies that have been built through experience in managing comparable complex programs to help ensure that human spaceflight and exploration is viable for generations to come.”
BAE Systems began working on a solution to meet NASA’s needs more than a year ago. NASA’s request for proposal was issued eight weeks ago.
“Our team understands what is required to support our NASA design team counterparts and drive the Ares I to an on-time, successful completion,” said BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services President Doug Belair. “Our Ares Avionics Team represents over 40 years of proven human spaceflight experience, has contributed to hundreds of successful space launches, operated for millions of flawless hours on-orbit and on Mars, and provided countless safe flights for millions of commercial and military passengers and aircrews every year.”
The BAE Systems’ Ares Avionics Team
- Arcata Associates Inc. is an engineering services, information technology and multimedia company that provides technical and administrative services primarily to Federal Government clients: NASA, USAF and U.S. Navy. www.arcataassoc.com
- AURA Instrumentation is a woman-owned business headquartered in Mt. Vernon, NH. AURA is dedicated to helping people through innovation, technology, and education. www.aurainstrumentation.com
- Barrios Technology is a woman-owned business headquartered in Houston, Texas. Barrios has expertise in aerospace engineering, space operations, information technology, and training. www.barrios.com
- General Dynamics designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, operates and maintains space mission systems for NASA, as well as defense, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, homeland security and homeland defense customers. www.gd-ais.com
- Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. www.goodrich.com
- Harris Corporation is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. www.harris.com
- United Space Alliance is a world leader in space operations. With extensive experience in all aspects of space operations, USA provides operations services to customers in the civil, commercial and international space industry sectors. www.unitedspacealliance.com
- Wyle Laboratories is a privately held company and a leader in providing high tech aerospace engineering, testing and research services to commercial, industrial and government customers. www.wylelabs.com
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services. BAE Systems, with 88,000 employees worldwide, had 2006 sales that exceeded $27 billion.
Contact:
BAE Systems
Karen Harmon-Smith, +1 256 890 8009
Cell: +1 256 508 0084
karen.harmon-smith@baesystems.com
or
BAE Systems
Susan Lenover, +1 703 907 8259
Cell: +1 703 850 1621
susan.lenover@baesystems.com
