Fri, Jun 08, 2007
Raytheon Already Has Hat In The Ring
NASA
has issued a request for proposal Wednesday for key guidance,
navigation and control hardware for the new Ares I crew launch
vehicle. The upper stage instrument unit avionics is to be used
during the Ares I ascent.
Proposals are due by July 30 and a selection expected in
November. The contract will be awarded through a full and open
competition, according NASA.
The avionics unit will provide guidance, navigation and control
for the entire launch vehicle as it transports the Orion crew
exploration vehicle to low Earth orbit.
The request for proposal calls for the winning contractor to
work closely with the NASA design team to provide engineering
support during the design phase. It also specifies that the
contractor will produce avionics for the development and flight
program and will provide sustained engineering support for the
upper stage avionics system through 2016.
As they say, the early bird gets the worm. Raytheon Company told ANN last month the
company planned to submit a proposal as the prime contractor to
partner with NASA on the development and manufacture of the
avionics unit for the Crew Launch Vehicle that will carry
astronauts into orbit when the Space Shuttle is retired in
2010.
"Raytheon is uniquely positioned to support the NASA design team
at Marshall Space Flight Center on a program that is as bold and
innovative as the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle," said Louise
Francesconi, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Our technical
expertise, innovative solutions, mature manufacturing processes and
more than 40 years of space experience make us the right partner
for NASA."
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]