Aitech Computers, PCI Boards Supporting Orbital Express Mission

Successful Launch of Boeing's OE Using Aitech Boards (click image to zoom)

Chatsworth, CA, May 2007 – Aitech Defense Systems computers and peripheral component interconnect (PCI) boards are aboard the Orbital Express system supporting an on-orbit demonstration led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Launched on March 8, 2007, Orbital Express is part of a DARPA program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit spacecraft servicing capabilities. It consists of two spacecraft; the Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) vehicle, developed by The Boeing Company; and NextSat, a prototypical modular next-generation serviceable client satellite developed by Ball Aerospace.

Aitech provided the first generation computers for ASTRO that included several types of Aitech's space-qualified, radiation-tolerant 3U CompactPCI boards.

Integration of Aitech's computers and PCI boards with Orbital Express is a significant achievement for the company and the embedded computing industry in developing fully autonomous, robotic commercial-off-the-shelf(COTS) in-space subsystems.

Aitech CEO Roger Rowe stated, “This launch and other successful programs, such as the use of Aitech's boards in the International Space Station, help strengthen the usefulness of embedded computing components in space applications. We are excited to be a part of this newest achievement in autonomous space vehicle operations.”

"Orbital Express is a revolutionary system that will offer customers with appropriately configured on-orbit assets and new options to enhance the operation of their systems. This demonstration mission is the first step toward developing an operational system that can service satellites and support other space operations,” said George Muellner, president of Boeing Advanced Systems.

The ASTRO computers (AC-1, AC-2 and AC-3) are integrated as three subsystems and are based on Aitech's new, 3U CompactPCI-based product line including the PowerPC-based 3U S950 single board computer (SBC), various analog and digital I/O boards as well as a fully-configured subsystem enclosure and power supplies.

The three mission-critical computers utilize Aitech's space-rated boards and enclosures. The computers include the command and data handling spacecraft control computer, the robotic docking computer and the replaceable avionics insertion computer that will dock ASTRO with NextSat.

In the same United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle containing four additional experimental (micro-satellite) spacecraft, Aitech also successfully deployed the space-rated S210 VMEbus SBC for the U.S. Air Force STP-Sat1 satellite.

Additional photos of the launch, courtesy of Benjamin Cooper, are available at www.launchphotography.com/STP-1_Orbital_Express[...]

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

About Aitech

Established in 1983, Aitech offers Military and space-qualified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products for rugged defense, aerospace and astronautics (space) applications as well as radiation tolerant and MIL-SPEC solutions. The company provides VMEbus and CompactPCI boards, power subsystems, mass memory, enclosures and hardware subsystem integration along with configuration and component Obsolescence management services.

Having pioneered the development of true military VME products for use in mainstream COTS applications, Aitech utilizes its broad base of off-the-shelf products and technologies to 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 and mission control 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.

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