AeroAstro Transponder Provides Communications for NASA's ST5 Microsatellites

Ashburn, VA – March 28, 2006

AeroAstro, Inc., a leading provider of small satellites and related technology products is celebrating NASA’s successful launch on March 22 of its Space Technology 5 (ST5) satellites. Each of the three birthday-cake sized microsatellites is equipped with an AeroAstro-built X-band transponder that provides telemetry, tracking (Doppler), and command communications that are critical to mission success. Within four hours after launch, all three transponders on the three spacecraft were confirmed to be operating nominally and supporting checkout functions.

“We are proud to make this contribution to NASA’s ST5 mission. Our history of reliable, yet inexpensive spacecraft radios dates back to ones we built for the company’s first spacecraft, ALEXIS. In April 2005, almost exactly 12 years after its launch, ALEXIS was decommissioned. Built for a three month mission, it actually delivered 142 months of service. The X-band radios on ST5 will provide NASA with the same reliability,” said Rick Fleeter, President, AeroAstro.

Since 1988 AeroAstro, Inc. has been a leader in innovative micro- and nanospacecraft applications—including science, remote sensing, and communications—that open the space frontier to a larger and more varied customer base. AeroAstro manufactures low-cost satellite systems and components for national and international customers.

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Contact:
Kim Irving
Director of Marketing
AeroAstro, Inc.
703.554.6335