Argon ST Selects Aitech to Provide Payload Processor Systems for Next-Gen ORBCOMM Satellites

(click image to zoom by 4.1x)

Chatsworth, Calif. October 2008 – Aitech Defense Systems Inc., the world’s first and largest independent manufacturer of open architecture board and subsystem level products for harsh environment defense, aerospace and astronautics applications, has been selected by Argon ST (NASDAQ: STST) to provide the payload processor systems for ORBCOMM’s (NASDAQ: ORBC) next-generation low earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites.

Designed for larger and faster data transfers, backward compatibility and endurance in harsh environments, the OG2 Space Segment satellites will incorporate Aitech’s proven space technology that combines low power and compact size with exceptional computing performance. Aitech will develop, qualify and produce each system at the processor card level as well as integrate each system into the payload.

Tarun Soni, business area director of Argon ST Network Systems, noted, “These payloads require very high performance and durability for extended periods of time in unforgiving environments and system failure is not an option. Aitech's advanced, open architecture embedded products are critical towards developing such a complex solution on a demanding schedule. In addition, the knowledge and competency of Aitech make this a genuine partnership."

Doug Patterson, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Aitech, said, “Virtually any computing environment benefits from smaller size and lower power requirements coupled with increased performance. Argon ST designed the OG2 payloads to increase subscriber capacity by up to 12 times more than the current satellites, while keeping the satellites within their compact footprint, so the payloads to support this design need to provide optimum performance. Aitech can deliver the products as well as the integration to ensure seamless operation.”

The $12.5M contract calls for the launch of the first LEO satellite as early as 2010. The initial contract includes an option to provide additional satellites and other ground support equipment during the life of the program.

Aitech will also provide parts program management and component engineering services to the overall payload for all other subsystems.

For more information please call 888-Aitech-8 (248-3248), visit www.rugged.com, or e-mail sales@rugged.com.

For an electronic copy, please visit www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/WordDocs/ait/AIT-A[...]

For high res photo, please visit

www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/Images/aitech/AIT-[...]

For additional news releases from Aitech Defense Systems, please visit www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/aitech.html

About Aitech:

Established in 1983, Aitech offers Military and space-qualified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded computing products for rugged defense, aerospace and astronautics (space) applications as well as provides radiation tolerant and full MIL-SPEC solutions. The company provides industry-standard, open architecture VMEbus, CompactPCI and high speed serial fabric-based boards, power subsystems, mass memory, enclosures and hardware subsystem integration along with logistics, configuration control, component Obsolescence and earned-value management services.

Having pioneered the development of true military VMEbus products for use in mainstream COTS applications, Aitech utilizes its broad base of off-the-shelf products and technologies to also develop customer-specific solutions, deliver superior cost-performance and reliability, and expedite time to market. Applications for its products range from mission processors, fire control, mission control and autonomous robotic subsystems for ground vehicles as well as surface and subsurface naval platforms to tactical and strategic fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and low- to high-earth orbit and deep space vehicles.

About Argon St:

Argon ST, Inc. designs, develops, and produces systems and sensors for the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) markets including SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), ESM (Electronic Support Measures), EW (Electronic Warfare), IO (Information Operations), imaging, and acoustic systems serving domestic and international markets. For news and information visit www.argonst.com.