AeroAstro to Develop Inter-satellite Navigation and Communications System for Formation Flying and Multiple Spacecraft Systems

$1.2 million Potential Contract Value from Air Force Research Lab;
Aims at Centimeter or Better Navigational Accuracy Between Satellites

Herndon, VA – May 25, 2000

AeroAstro, Inc., the world's premier small satellite technology company, today announced a contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory with a total potential value of $1.2 million to develop a system for high-precision ranging and position determination between multiple satellites orbiting in precisely-controlled formations.

The new "Star Ranger" system combines differential GPS technology and an inter-satellite communications link between clustered co-orbiting satellites. The technology exchanges data between spacecraft to determine relative position and range to centimeter accuracy or better. Distributed aperture missions, such as JPL New Millennium's ST-3, the Air Force's TechSat 21, and future missions such as NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder, require the very fine positioning which this system will enable.

Dr. Rick Fleeter, President and CEO of AeroAstro, said, "The Star Ranger technology facilitates the next generation of microsatellite missions and applications including formation flying and proximity operations around other spacecraft. AeroAstro is committed to leading the way in delivering this new breed of microspacecraft solutions."

The new technology uses an intersatellite data link in the Ku-band, building on miniaturized communications technology being developed for NASA. By integrating differential GPS into the system, very precise information can be obtained on range and position between two or more co-orbiting spacecraft.

Other technologies AeroAstro is developing for the next generation of microsatellites include miniaturized communications components as part of the New Millennium ST-5 Nanosatellite Constellation Trailblazer mission team, modular spacecraft bus architectures and components such as Bitsy-SX under development for NASA for flight in 2001, high-capability propulsion and on-orbit maneuvering systems, and integration and test processes for low-cost multiple-spacecraft missions.

AeroAstro, a pioneer of micro- and nano-spacecraft applications in science, remote sensing, and communications, is a leader in innovative small satellite applications that open the space frontier. It led the trend towards high technology in miniature satellites - now the industry standard - with its highly successful ALEXIS satellite begun in 1988 and currently in its seventh year operating on-orbit.

AeroAstro is now leading the way to a new age of commercial space with flexible tools that enable users to benefit from unprecedented access to space systems. AeroAstro has designed, constructed, tested and supported the launch of several small satellites. It has delivered numerous spacecraft design programs and manufactures low-cost small rocket engines, micro-satellites and spacecraft components. NASA, the Air Force, and commercial and university customers have all employed AeroAstro throughout its 12-year history.