Northrop Grumman Delivers Satellite Antennas that Aid in Nuclear Arms Control
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CARPINTERIA, Calif., Nov. 6, 2006 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered all V-Sensor deployable antenna assemblies that will be used to detect nuclear blasts as an adjunct payload on the Global Positioning Satellite 2F program.
The company's Astro Aerospace unit completed manufacturing and testing this summer of six qualification units and 18 flight units of its V-Sensor deployable antenna assemblies and recently delivered them to its customer, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The "pop-up" antennas are an example of Astro Aerospace's Storable Tubular Extendible Member (STEM) product line, which can be stowed in compact packages for launch and then opened in orbit. About the size of a pack of cigarettes, these STEM antennas deploy to a length of almost seven feet. They permit detection of electromagnetic pulses as part of nuclear arms control.
These antenna assemblies will be integrated on the next generation of GPS satellites by prime contractor The Boeing Company. Astro Aerospace also produced antennas for GPS 2R for a similar application.
"Space deployable structures are critical technologies that are vital to the success of many national security programs," said Tom Romesser, vice president of technology development for Northrop Grumman Space Technology sector.
Astro Aerospace is a leader in the development of space, defense and electronics systems. For more than 40 years, Astro Aerospace has pioneered the technology of space deployable structures including AstroMesh furlable antennas and reflectors, truss masts, telescopic booms, storable tubular extendible members and planar array deployment. It has a 100 percent success rate on hundreds of flight-specific deployable units.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 120,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.
CONTACT: Bob Bishop
Northrop Grumman Space Technology
(310) 812-5227
Cell: 310.251.0261
bob.j.bishop@ngc.com
