Aerojet will play a key role on the ground segment, systems engineering and space segment. The company will provide support on mission data processing, logistics, software, production planning, architecture/trade studies and launch operations. SBIRS Low is the low-Earth orbiting component of the SBIRS system, the nation's next-generation, ballistic missile early-warning system.

"Aerojet brings unsurpassed credentials and domain knowledge that will help ensure that we provide the United States Air Force with the best-value solution for SBIRS Low," said Tim Hannemann, executive vice president and general manager, TRW Space & Electronics Group. "We are pleased to welcome Aerojet to our SBIRS Low team."

The TRW/Raytheon team also includes Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Sparta and PRA.

"We are excited that Aerojet will be an important part of the TRW/Raytheon team," said Bob Wolfe, chairman and CEO of GenCorp, Aerojet's parent company. "Aerojet's unique knowledge in ground processing of infrared sensor data and space-based infrared systems will contribute to the success of the new SBIRS Low program. Our experience will enable us to offer a valuable and affordable solution to the team and the Air Force."

Aerojet is a world leader in ground processing of infrared data. Aerojet developed the mobile Joint Tactical Ground Station, which processes infrared missile-tracking data from Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites and reports it to theater commanders. Aerojet also developed the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater system to analyze DSP infrared data and improve the identification and tracking of ballistic missiles.

TRW and Aerojet have worked together for more than 30 years on DSP, which provides early warning against strategic and tactical missile attacks. TRW has built 23 DSP spacecraft and integrated 23 infrared sensors built by associate contractor Aerojet for the Air Force.

In August, the TRW/Raytheon team won one of two $275 million contracts from the Air Force for the 38-month Program Definition Risk Reduction (PDRR) phase of SBIRS Low. Included in PDRR is a comprehensive ground demonstration designed to reduce the risk and verify the performance of an operational system.

FAS: National Missile Defense - Analysis and Links

Related Links

SPACEDAILY

Europe Seeks Own Defense Identity
Luxembourg (AFP) November 22, 1999 -
Defense and foreign ministers of the 10-nation Western European Union (WEU), Europe's defense arm, are meeting here Monday and Tuesday to decide how to adapt their neanderthal armies to the defense needs of the 21st century.