BAE Systems reveals new technology

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: June 17, 2008

A computer technology developed in Manassas is currently roaming the surface of Mars and supporting other NASA mission millions of miles from earth, including upcoming space missions and the current Phoenix Mars Lander.

BAE Systems' Manassas plant is one of only two facilities in the world to manufacture radiation-hardened microprocessors capable of withstanding the deep cold of space.

On Tuesday, officials of BAE Systems conducted a press conference to unveil the next generation of new technol-ogy in progress at the Manassas facility.

George Nossaman, director, advanced digital systems, electronics and integrated solutions, told the group "a new generation of radiation hardened microchips, four times more powerful than those they will replace, is set to boost the data processing and storage capability of satellite systems, including those used in anti-terrorist activi-ties."

Now in production in the Manassas plant, the new family of radiation-hardened static random-access memory prod-ucts enables additional on-board processing and data storage for a variety of satellite systems.

BAE System's new single-board computers will manage the data processing and command-and-control func-tion of more than a dozen satellites to be launched over the next 18 months. The company produces three genera-tions of single-board computers that are radiation-hardened to withstand the harsh environment of space.

"Numerous missions have selected BAE Systems RAD750 computer, the most technologically advanced microprocessor ever offered to the space community," said Vic Scuderi, manager of satellite electronics. "They include NASA's recently-launched Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope satellite, which uses seven RAD750 computers for command, control and instrument data processing as it examines gamma-ray burst for clues to the origins of the solar system."

Another version of the RAD750 was created for NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite missions. To meet NASA's demand for high-speed processing, BAE and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center joined to create a single chip interface.

Among other upcoming missions for RAD750 technology will include the launching of a U.S. Department of De-fense military communications satellite, the recently announced global positioning system modernization effort, and the Mars Science Lab, the next-generation of Mars rovers.

Already on the "red planet," the BAE System's earlier generation RAD60000 single-board computers manage the collection and analysis of soil, weather and imagery aboard the Phoenix Mars Lander, which landed on May 25 after a 10-month journey. The initial Mars Pathfinder rover, Spirit and Opportunity all relied on the onboard RAD6000 computers for navigation and science data processing.

"More than 200 RAD6000s today operate on satellites in space and this workhorse will soon be overtaken by the more powerful big brother, the RAD750," Scuderi said. "The new product is up for the chal-lenge."

He said a common observation around the plant is, "There's been another sighting of a BAE Systems computer on Mars."

BAE Systems introduced its first radiation-hardened chip in 1983. The company's newest has 256 times more memory that its first.

Ian A. McDonald, program director, advanced digital systems, space systems and electronics, said the Manassas facility has about 390 employees and 25 interns.

"We are discovering that the younger generation is not involved in the space programs like those before them. By bringing in the interns from colleges and universities around the country, we are trying to rekindle that interest in the future space programs. We want them to be our next generation of scientists."

McDonald said the employees of local firms like to volunteer with needy and educational organizations, including Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Efforts Inc., Action in the Community Through Service, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, Boys and Girls Club, March of Dimes, blood drives, Adopt-A-Stream, Mat-thew's Center and Didlake.

"We also work very closely with the families of the soldiers serving our country …  helping them in many ways," he said.

Rep. Frank Wolf, R-10th, was invited to the open house but was unable to attend.

He did send the following message: "I appreciate the important work BAE systems is doing for NASA and the Department of Defense as well as their commitment to math and science education through their programs. In our increasingly competitive global economy, it is essential that innovation leaders, like BAE Systems, develop collaborative programs to grow our science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce."

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.