BAE SYSTEMS' RAD750 Helps NASA View Comet Impact.MANASSAS, Va. -- BAE Systems' radiation-hardened microprocessors enabled the National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), civilian agency of the U.S. federal government with the mission of conducting research and developing operational programs in the areas of space exploration, artificial satellites (see satellite, artificial), (NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. ) a first-ever glimpse beneath the surface of a comet. The RAD750 single board computers are a vital component of NASA's Deep Impact Mission, the first to study the surface and nucleus of a comet. On July 3, the Deep Impact spacecraft separated into two parts, an impactor spacecraft and a flyby fly·by also fly-by n. pl. fly·bys A flight passing close to a specified target or position, especially a maneuver in which a spacecraft or satellite passes sufficiently close to a body to make detailed observations without spacecraft. The impactor set a collision course collision course n. A course, as of moving objects or opposing philosophies, that will end in a collision or conflict if left unchanged: two planes on a collision course; dissidents on a collision course with the regime. to the comet while the flyby spacecraft performed a "deflection maneuver" and placed itself a safe distance and angle from the impact. Two RAD750 computers onboard the flyby spacecraft helped navigate the satellite to the comet and maintain precise positioning Precise Positioning is a term used to describe techniques to obtain the location of an object to better than a few centimeters of accuracy. Historically precise positioning was associated with surveying and geodesy. while the advanced telescopes on-board recorded the collision and its result. A single RAD750 computer on the impactor performed the final trajectory corrections and altitude control to place it in the required position for the comet collision. The mission was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Cape Canaveral (kənăv`ərəl), low, sandy promontory extending E into the Atlantic Ocean from a barrier island, E Fla., separated from Merritt Island by the Banana River, a lagoon; named (1963) Cape Kennedy in memory of President John , Fla, on Jan. 12. BAE Systems BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic 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-broadcasting Mars Rovers - the only control and data computers aboard the two Rovers - to execute flight, landing and exploration operations on that planet. The RAD750 represents the next-generation of space microprocessors. About BAE Systems: BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense 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 defense 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. To obtain additional information about us, visit "What's News" at www.iews.na.baesystems.com |
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