FITEL(R) Laser Returns to Space Aboard Atlantis Shuttle.

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. -- FITEL(R)'s high-power pump laser technology logged its third NASA space mission today with the launch of the Atlantis shuttle. FITEL's 1480nm laser is a key component in the Neptec camera system used onboard the shuttle to scan critical areas for exterior damage.

The strength of the optical laser in the camera system enables the capture of exacting 3-D data images of the shuttle's surface from up to four meters away and in harsh glare and intermittent lighting conditions.

The FITEL laser is manufactured by Furukawa Electric Co., the world's largest supplier of 1480nm pump laser diode modules for telecommunications applications. Neptec Design Group is the worldwide leader in space vision systems.

"FITEL's robust laser technology is fundamental to fiber optic networks installed worldwide. We're pleased to see it now utilized on multiple space missions," said Isamu Oshima, product manager for Furukawa America Inc. "The ability of FITEL's 1480nm laser diode to produce strong amplification of an optical signal with very little power consumption is key in space. So is our laser packaging and assembly technology which can endure strong radiation."

"Our Laser Camera System has now flown on two shuttle missions and has performed perfectly each time," said Iain Christie, vice president of research and development at Neptec. "The FITEL laser diode module is a critical component in the Laser Camera System and continues to meet NASA's exacting standards for performance in the demanding environment of space."

Following the Columbia shuttle tragedy in 2003, Neptec developed a laser camera system that includes the FITEL laser to meet NASA's new requirement for thorough exterior surface inspections on all shuttle missions. In addition to this Atlantis mission, the Neptec laser camera system was also utilized on NASA's Discovery missions in July 2005 and July 2006.

While the most common application for Furukawa's pump lasers are in telecommunications, data communications and CATV networks, Furukawa's pump and signal lasers are also used in a variety of precise military and commercial applications including light detection and ranging sensing systems (LIDAR), air pressure sensing systems, industrial fiber lasers, and test and measurement systems.

Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. (www.furukawa.co.jp/english) is a $7 billion global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of fiber optic products, electronics components, power cables, nonferrous metals, and other advanced technology products. Its subsidiary, Furukawa America Inc.(www.FurukawaAmerica.com), provides product sales and service to customers throughout North and South America.

Neptec Design Group (www.neptec.com) continues to be a pioneer in the innovative use of intelligent 3D machine vision systems for mission critical applications. With a U.S. headquarters office located near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Neptec is a NASA prime contractor. The company's head office is in Ottawa, Ontario.