Space

Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems to supply key instrument for NASA mission to study carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

POMONA, USA- North America, California, Jul 17, 2002

Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems, based in Pomona, has been selected by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a division of the California Institute of Technology, to supply the science instrument for NASA’s new Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO). The instrument uses three infrared spectrometers to measure reflected sunlight in carbon dioxide and oxygen absorption bands.

The contract is expected to generate more than $20 million in revenues.

The orbiting laboratory will provide the first high-resolution global maps of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in order to identify the natural and man-made processes that regulate this important greenhouse gas. These high-precision measurements have been identified as critical data by the world's scientific community and will be used by researchers from NASA, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and numerous U.S. and international universities.

“Sensor Systems has supported NASA Earth and atmospheric science missions for decades and we are thrilled to continue that tradition with a mission of such importance,” said Michael Linsenbigler, general manager of Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems.

“As a United Technologies company, we are focused on producing environmentally responsible products and services and promoting environmental awareness, so this is particularly gratifying to us,” said Lisa Szewczul, Hamilton Sundstrand vice president, environment, health & safety.

The OCO Principal Investigator is Dr. David Crisp of JPL. JPL also will provide the overall mission management. Orbital Sciences Corporation will provide the OCO spacecraft.

Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems has been designing and building advanced scientific instruments for more than 40 years. Its instruments include the Major Constituent Analyzer that monitors air quality on the International Space Station, as well as the last four Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometers used for more than 20 years to monitor the ozone hole.

Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTX:NYSE), is based in Windsor Locks, Conn., and employs 17,000 worldwide. The company is among the world’s largest suppliers of advanced aerospace and industrial products and services.

Contact:

Peg Hashem (CT)
860-654-3469