Advanced
fiber-optic technology from Harris Corporation will provide
sophisticated, digital voice and video communications for astronauts
and scientists living onboard the U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module of
the International Space Station (ISS) once installation is complete
and the module is operational.
“Beginning with telemetry systems for Telstar and Minuteman in the
1950s, and continuing on to today’s International Space Station
audio/video distribution system (AVDS), Harris has supported nearly
all major U.S. space programs,” said Bob Henry, president, Harris
Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). “We are
particularly proud to play such a key role in the International Space
Station, which represents a whole new dimension in space exploration
and international cooperation.”
Harris produced the Internal Audio System (IAS) and the Internal
Video Distribution Subsystem (IVDS) as part of the fiber-optic
communications networks installed by Boeing. The first phase of the
Harris system was delivered to the ISS in early February onboard Space
Shuttle Atlantis.
Once operational, IAS will provide audio communications between
individual ISS crewmembers within the station, as well as
communication with Earth, docked shuttles, and crewmembers engaged in
extravehicular activity or working at Individual Science Payload Rack
(ISPR) locations. The IAS enables multi-station audio conferences, as
well as private, point-to-point conversations with members on the
station or with operations on Earth. The IAS also carries five
critical Caution and Warning (C&W) tones that alert crewmembers to
emergency situations.
The IVDS makes it possible for video signals generated by cameras,
the ground, or video recorders to be distributed to all elements of
the station for display on monitors, recording, or transmission to
Earth. The subsystem contains video fiber-optic transmitters and
receivers that are used to convert standard NTSC video to Pulsed
Frequency Modulated (PFM) video for transmission over the fiber-optic
bus. The IVD subsystem also contains (16 X 15) fiber-optic
input/output video switches that enable the video signal to be routed
to single or multiple users.
Harris GCSD conducts advanced research studies, develops
prototypes, and produces state-of-the-art airborne, spaceborne, and
terrestrial communications and information processing systems for
military and government agencies, their prime contractors, and the
company’s commercial businesses, as well as to select commercial
organizations worldwide.
Harris Corporation is an international communications equipment
company focused on providing product, system and service solutions
that take its customers to the next level. The company provides a wide
range of products and services for wireless, broadcast, network
support, and government markets. Harris has sales and service
facilities in more than 90 countries. Additional information about
Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
