NEEDHAM, Mass. – General Dynamics Network Systems has teamed with Boston
University and NASA on a new space program designed to map the gases that
pervade the universe. General Dynamics Network Systems is a business unit
of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
Boston University’s “Spectroscopy and Photometry of the Intergalactic
Medium’s Diffuse Radiation” (SPIDR) project was recently selected to be the
next mission in NASA’s Small Explorer program, which provides flight
opportunities for highly focused and relatively inexpensive science
missions. SPIDR, to be launched in 2005, will for the first time map the
“cosmic web” of hot gas that permeates the universe. The project is
expected to yield a fundamental understanding of the creation and evolution
of galaxies and other large stellar formations.
General Dynamics will provide ground station services, including all
telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) necessary to collect data and track
orbits.
Led by Boston University, the NASA-funded SPIDR mission includes
co-investigators from eight other universities and collaborators from the
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Mass. Boston University
scientists will design and build the innovative ultraviolet spectrograph to
be used on board the SPIDR spacecraft, which will be built by Draper
Laboratory.
“This is an exciting opportunity to team with a world-class university on a
mission at the forefront of astronomy,” said Peter Vedder, senior manager of
Space & Communications Advanced Programs for General Dynamics Network
Systems.
General Dynamics SpacePlex* in Las Cruces, N.M., will be the location for
the SPIDR Mission Operations Center and the primary SPIDR ground station.
General Dynamics will provide flight operations for SPIDR, including near
real-time monitoring and control, mission scheduling, and spacecraft and
instrument trend analysis.
General Dynamics Network Systems provides satellite systems and services to
civil, commercial and military customers around the world. Its performance
record includes 30 years of satellite operations, engineering, ground
systems and teleport services, for customers that include NASA, the U.S.
military and commercial businesses.
About General Dynamics Network Systems
General Dynamics Network Systems has been designing and building complex
telecommunications networks for nearly 50 years. More than 4,000 skilled
technical personnel provide design, integration, installation and support
services for backbone, wireless and space-based networks. More information
about General Dynamics Network Systems is available at www.gd-ns.com.
About General Dynamics
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately
54,000 people worldwide and anticipates 2002 revenues of $14 billion. The
company has leading market positions in land and amphibious combat systems,
mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and
marine systems, and business aviation.
Jill Reilly
Director of Communications
General Dynamics Network Systems
(phone) 781-455-2286
(fax) 781-455-5368
(cell) 781-789-7843
