WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Sept. 9, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The delivery of the 100th hemispherical resonating gyro (HRG)-based product marks a milestone in the evolution of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) exclusive HRG technology. HRG technology, first employed in the legacy space inertial reference unit (SIRU(tm)), has been incorporated into the latest scalable space inertial reference unit (Scalable SIRU(tm)), which now replaces the SIRU(tm).
The Scalable SIRU(tm) is an inertial reference system that supplies critical angular rate and linear acceleration data that enables the stabilization, pointing and attitude control of satellites and space vehicles. The Scalable SIRU(tm) was instrumental in achieving the scientific objectives of the highly successful MESSENGER and Deep Impact program missions.
"Northrop Grumman's Scalable SIRU(tm) uses the high accuracy, extremely reliable HRG gyro that combines high performance with the longest life of any inertial technology now in space," said Gorik Hossepian, vice president of Navigation and Positioning Systems for Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "Its proven track record of reliability in space establishes Northrop Grumman as the premier supplier of inertial guidance system products for commercial, military and civil/scientific programs for domestic and international customers."
HRG technology was used on the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission, the first of NASA's Discovery missions and the first mission ever to place a spacecraft into orbit around an asteroid. HRGs in space have recently surpassed 10 million hours of operation without a single mission failure.
Over 125 HRG-based systems have been delivered to customers since the first system was delivered in February 1996. The HRG has no moving parts and its simple design, small size, low noise output, low power consumption and high radiation tolerance make it well suited for extended missions in space.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.