BAE SYSTEMS and
Aerojet of Azusa, California, have been selected by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to build the Advanced
Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS).
ATMS, a satellite microwave instrument, will improve weather
forecasting and assist in global climate research.
BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS),
Nashua, New Hampshire, and Aerojet were awarded the $206 million
contract in December by NASA’s Office of Earth Sciences. As a major
partner and subcontractor, IEWS will help Aerojet develop the new
system.
The space-based ATMS instrument will measure microwave energy in
the atmosphere. When combined with data from an infrared sounder, ATMS
will provide daily global atmospheric temperature, moisture, and
pressure profiles.
ATMS is designed to replace instruments currently flying on
polar-orbiting weather satellites and will be about one-third the size
and weight of existing microwave sounding devices, according to Greg
Cassias, Director for Space Programs, BAE SYSTEMS Information &
Electronic Warfare Systems.
“ATMS meets a critical requirement for the Office of Earth
Sciences. As an industry leader in the area of remote sensing, we’re
eager to support NASA in this important mission,” Cassias said.
Aerojet, as prime contractor for ATMS, will provide its expertise
in microwave instruments, systems engineering, atmospheric physics,
instrument calibration and microwave instrument production. BAE
SYSTEMS will provide microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs),
microwave modules, and system engineering processes.
ATMS, scheduled for delivery in 2004, will fly on the National
Polar-orbiting Operational Environment Satellite System Preparatory
Project Mission – a joint effort between NASA, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Air Force.
Note to Editors
BAE SYSTEMS is the truly global systems, defense and aerospace
company. BAE SYSTEMS employs more than 100,000 people, in eight home
markets around the world and has annual sales of some $18 billion. The
company offers an unrivalled global capability in air, sea and land
and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a
range of key skills.
BAE SYSTEMS designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft,
surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics,
communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of
other defense products.
BAE SYSTEMS North America employs 22,000 people in the design,
development, integration, manufacture and support of a wide range of
advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for
government and commercial customers.
BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 4,400
people at eight major facilities in five states. It is a major
producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance
and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other
major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics;
infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.
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