Northrop Partners In Contracts For Concepts Of Next Space Telescope
Northrop Grumman Corp. [NOC] is involved in five contracts that NASA awarded to investigate concepts for next-generation space telescopes.
Those concepts include a powerful successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, three planet finding missions, and an X-ray space telescope.
Study results will be submitted for consideration to the scientific community during the upcoming National Academy of Science Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, which sets priorities for future astrophysics missions.
The five contracts include:
- A mission to identify new materials and design problems involved in construction of a 52-foot diameter space telescope called the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST). Northrop Grumman is teamed with Principal Investigator Marc Postman of the Space Telescope Science Institute.
- A mission to image nearby Earth-sized worlds using large telescopes with multiple instruments and separate “starshade” spacecraft to block the light from these exoplanets’ host stars. This study, called New Worlds Observer, will build on research already performed by Northrop Grumman with Principal Investigator Webster Cash of the University of Colorado.
- A mission called Actively-Corrected Coronagraphs for Exoplanet System Studies (ACCESS) to directly image giant planets around nearby stars using a medium-size coronagraph. Northrop Grumman Space Technology is teamed with Principal Investigator John Trauger of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- A mission called Generation-X to create the next generation of extremely precise and large optics for X-ray astronomy. Northrop Grumman Space Technology is teamed with Principal Investigator Roger Brissenden at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
- A mission, Dilute Aperture Visible Nulling Coronagraph Imager (DAViNCI), for exoplanet exploration using multiple telescopes and a specially designed visible nulling interferometer to detect Earth-like planets. Northrop Grumman Space Technology is working with Principal Investigator Michael Shao of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
NASA Gives Raytheon Johnson Space Center Contract
NASA gave Raytheon Co. [RTN] a contract to aid Johnson Space Center with a new training model for flight controllers and instructors, the company announced.
Raytheon Technical Services Co. will expand the scope of its training support solutions with NASA to front-end training design, giving the company an opportunity to influence the way NASA trains flight controllers and instructors for space vehicle knowledge operations.
“We will reduce the cost and time it takes to train flight controllers and instructors at the same time we improve the quality and efficiency of training,” said Blaine Salvador, vice president of the Raytheon Technical mission support solutions product line.
The Johnson Space Center initiative involves implementing a new training model for personnel entering as operator flight controllers and who ultimately progress to flight expedition instructors. It will shorten the training process, combining like discipline flight controller and instructor certification flows, while increasing chances of individual success with a unified process, according to Raytheon.
EADS To Buy Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd From University
The EADS Astrium unit of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), a continental firm, will buy most of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) from the University of Surrey in England, EADS announced.
But Surrey Satellite, a spin-out firm, will retain a great deal of independence after the EADS Astrium takeover, which is subject to regulatory approval.
SSTL will remain an independent U.K. company with its individual brand and unique approach to space following the agreement, while benefiting from access to the resources of a large corporation including design, manufacturing and test facilities, according to EADS.
SSTL is joining EADS Astrium following a decision by the University of Surrey to sell its majority stake of about 80 percent in the small satellite manufacturer. The university will retain a stake in SSTL.
Astrium, on the other hand, will benefit from enhanced links with the University of Surrey to support staff training and development, also leading to greater cooperation and increased research on space technology and systems.
“In the U.K. we are renowned for our design and manufacture of telecommunications satellites, interplanetary spacecraft and satellite services provision. SSTL is one of the great success stories of the U.K. space industry and will be a substantial complement to what we can offer customers around the world with its expertise in small and micro satellites and their innovative approach to developing new markets for space,” said Colin Paynter, CEO of Astrium in the U.K.
Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting, executive chairman of SSTL, has been an active ambassador for the U.K. space industry for many years and considers the acquisition as essential, acvcording to EADS.
“SSTL operates in a highly competitive global market,” he said. “If we are to continue changing the economics of space and provide the innovative solutions our customers demand we must expand and maintain our R&D investment. This acquisition strengthens SSTL enormously whilst preserving our unique approach to space.”
Prof. Christopher Snowden, vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey commented: “This is a great move for both the university and SSTL. On completion, this will represent one of the largest cash spin-outs from any U.K. university. It will also allow [SSTL] to realize its full potential as a rapidly growing and leading supplier of small and micro satellites, whilst the university retains the benefit of close interaction with SSTL and its new partner EADS Astrium. By retaining a small stake in SSTL the university shows its commitment to both the future of the Company and space research itself.”
Under the share purchase agreement, SSTL will be owned by EADS Astrium NV in the Netherlands.
The agreement sees long-term research collaboration between the University of Surrey and EADS Astrium and will further advance the university cutting edge space research capacity, according to EADS. The collaboration also will allow Astrium to benefit from staff training and development opportunities afforded by links with the university.