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BAE Systems Receives $12.5 Million NASA Research and Development Contract

28 Jun 2005 | Ref. 003-2005

MANASSAS, Virginia -- BAE Systems recently received a $12.5 million contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for research and development of extreme temperature technology.

BAE Systems Manassas, Virginia facility will explore techniques to extend the performance range of semiconductor devices that will enable NASA to continue exploring and examining the surfaces of the Moon and Mars. This technology will allow data gathering in the extreme temperatures of space without providing additional and costly protective systems required to maintain the operating temperature of the semiconductor devices.

Through a combination of process and device modifications, the basic semiconductor device will be modified to operate at temperatures as low as minus 230ºC. The modified device can then be used to design custom Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that will operate at extreme temperatures without external protective measures.

This research will enable NASAs continued exploration of the universe and were delighted to play a role, said Ted Jamba, BAE Systems program manager at Manassas, Virginia.

BAE Systems has a 20-year history of providing radiation-hardened solutions for U.S. space programs. Its RAD6000 computers were installed on each of the still-operating Mars Rovers the only control and data computers aboard the two Rovers to execute flight, landing and exploration operations on Mars. The RAD750 represents the next-generation of space microprocessors, and was first launched onboard NASAs Deep Impact mission which is expected to get an up-close view of comet Tempel 1 on the Fourth of July.

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, combat vehicles, 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 and 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 nearly 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately $25 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

For further information, please contact:

James Mallon, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 215 996 2729
james.mallon@baesystems.com