Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed the third demonstration of its next generation processor/router (NGPR) technologies for the Transformational Satellite Communications System Space Segment (TSAT SS). The NGPR Spiral tests used realistic, operational scenarios designed to show increased functionality and performance of Boeing’s Path-to-Flight NGPR Brassboard, which replicates the function and configuration of the operational space segment payload.
Boeing collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory to conduct the tests in September and October, which are part of Boeing’s Risk Reduction System Definition phase contract. Previous demonstrations of the router include NGPR-1 in March 2006 and NGPR-2 in February 2007.
“With this successful third NGPR demonstration, we are bringing TSAT closer to functional operation,” said Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “We showed our U.S. Air Force customer and end-users that TSAT’s breakthrough capabilities are real and achievable, and we are now poised to move on to the next step, which is to begin building the TSAT system.”
Boeing’s TEAM TSAT completed the spiral demonstration ahead of schedule, allowing additional tests to be conducted and extending the risk reduction value of the demonstration.
Boeing’s TEAM TSAT consists of Cisco, Hughes, IBM, Harris Corp., Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., LGS Innovations, Raytheon, General Dynamics C4 Systems, L-3 Communications, BBN Technologies, EMS Technologies, SAIC and Innovative Communications Engineering (ICE). The Boeing team submitted its TSAT Space Segment proposal to the Air Force on July 30. The Air Force is expected to announce the winner of the multi-billion-dollar TSAT space segment contract in 2008.
