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BAE SYSTEMS' Microprocessors Reach Saturn Aboard Cassini

12 Jul 2004

After a nearly seven-year, 2.2 billion-mile journey, BAE Systems radiation-hardened microprocessors reached Saturn June 30 onboard the international Cassini-Huygens spacecraft.

Cassini, launched October 15, 1997, will conduct a four-year study of Saturn. Twelve scientific instruments on the Cassini orbiter will gather information on Saturn's rings, icy satellites, the Saturnian magnetosphere, and Titan, the planet's largest moon.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) unit in Manassas, Virginia, built the seven Advanced Spaceborne Computer Module (ASCM) microprocessors onboard Cassini. The microprocessors operate in the heavily radiated space environment and are based on the Military Standard 1750 microprocessor. The seven computers handle command and control of the spacecraft and provide processing for several instruments.

For nearly seven years, weve been closely following Cassinis progress across the solar system, said Vic Scuderi, manager of space programs for IEWS. BAE Systems is honoured to be part of this mission and are proud that NASA chose our ASCM microprocessor to be used on six of the 12 instruments.

BAE Systems worked with the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to create the radiation-hardened version of the microprocessor. Nearly 200 ASCM microprocessors are in orbit today serving commercial telecommunications, military, and research and exploration programs.

The ASCM microprocessor is one of a family of radiation-hardened computers developed and produced by BAE Systems with support of JPL and the AFRL. The ASCM and RAD6000 computers can be found on more than 100 satellites in space. The newest member of the processor family, the RAD750, will be used on the Deep Impact mission to be launched later this year.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 6,900 people at 13 major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. IEWS provides products and services in four major lines of business: Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection, Electronic Warfare/Information Warfare, Integrated Defense Solutions, and Mission Electronics.

BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.