MELBOURNE, Fla., June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris
Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and
information technology company, has been awarded a five-year,
$140 million contract by General
Dynamics (NYSE: GD) to modernize the ground segment of the
satellite communications network used by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA).
Harris is a member of the General Dynamics-led team that won the
NASA Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) contract.
Satellites and spacecraft in low-Earth orbit use the Tracking
and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) network to continuously
relay data to ground stations in White Sands, New Mexico and in Guam. The modernization will improve
situational awareness for TDRSS network operators, upgrade
computing and signal processing equipment, enhance reliability and
maintainability, improve efficiency, and reduce operations and
sustainment costs.
Harris will lead the effort to replace all equipment and
software in the space-to-ground link of NASA's TDRSS. The
space-to-ground link will feature advanced Harris technologies
including high-speed modems and switches, signal processing, and RF
systems. Harris also is responsible for large portions of the
network's User Services Gateway Element, Operational Test Services,
and the Maintenance and Training Facility, as well as support for
overall system engineering.
"This major satellite ground system win reconfirms our industry
leadership in developing and sustaining satellite networks
supporting high-priority missions for customers like NASA, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Department
of Defense," said Frank Van
Rensselaer, vice president, NASA Programs, Harris Government
Communications Systems. "This win also reflects a very
successful, 50-year relationship with NASA."
The SGSS program builds upon the Harris 30-year incumbency with
TDRSS. Harris was a primary developer of the original TDRSS
ground system in White Sands in the early 1980s. Harris also
provided the large deployable antennas on the original TDRSS
satellites for the space segment of the original program.
Harris has supported major NASA programs since the 1960s,
including Apollo, Space Shuttle, and International Space Station.
The company conducts advanced research and architecture
studies, and develops communications and network systems that
provide NASA with highly reliable space and terrestrial
communications and help solve the agency's unique, mission-critical
program challenges.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information
technology company serving government and commercial markets in
more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has
approximately $5 billion of annual
revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000
engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing
best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and
services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is
available at www.harris.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that
reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and
estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such
statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions
investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends
to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Statements about the
expected value of the program to Harris are forward-looking and
involve risks and uncertainties. Other factors that may
impact the company's results and forward-looking statement may be
disclosed in the company's filings with the SEC. Harris
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events, or otherwise.
SOURCE Harris Corporation