REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Aug. 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A photo was released today by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and is available at http://media.primezone.com/noc/
Photo Description:
Eric Enosara, an integration and test engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Technology in Redondo Beach, Calif., checks for radiated emissions during initial "power on" of the downlink phased array antenna for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) engineering model.
Behind the simple-looking box, known as a "hat coupler" used only for testing, is a highly complex antenna (illustrated in the artwork at the bottom of the photo). Both the downlink and uplink phased-array antennas are discriminating technologies for Northrop Grumman designed to deliver secure, unprecedented communication on demand to warfighters when and where they need it.
By completing "end-to-end" radiated testing via both the uplink and downlink phased arrays, Northrop Grumman engineers have demonstrated that several key payload interfaces work together seamlessly. This recent test is one of several significant engineering-model payload milestones for Advanced EHF. The Flight One payload completed the initial phase of payload/space-vehicle mechanical integration on schedule. Northrop Grumman engineers and technicians will begin payload-unit integration and test, preparing Flight One for delivery to prime contractor Lockheed Martin in April 2007.
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide the first two Advanced EHF satellites and command-and-control system.
The results contained in this submission were generated in whole, or in part, through work supporting the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office.
The MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, located at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contract manager and lead agency for the Advanced EHF program.
Northrop Grumman Space Technology, based in Redondo Beach, Calif., develops a broad range of systems at the leading edge of space, defense and electronics technology. The sector creates products for U.S. military and civilian customers that contribute significantly to the nation's security and leadership in science and technology.
