MONTREAL, Canada, Oct. 6, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS Technologies (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today that it has been awarded, through its Space & Technology/Montreal Division, a contract extension from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to complete the design, development, manufacturing and test of the electronics for the Microgravity Vibration Isolation System (MVIS) for CSA's subsequent delivery to ESA (the European Space Agency). MVIS will be used on ESA's Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) on the International Space Station. The value of the contract extension is $1.7 million CAD and is in addition to the $5.1 million CAD previously awarded.
EMS responsibilities under the contract include participation in system-level definition and design; the design, manufacturing and test of the electronics and power boards; and participation in system integration.
EMS's new powerful ESP603 rad-hard space computer is at the heart of the MVIS electronics. The ESP603 meets the computationally intensive and digital signal-processing requirements of the MVIS unit. The processor is responsible for the real-time control of the vibration isolation system, health monitoring, data storage, and user interface communication. In addition, the performance level of the board will enable it to also perform real-time analysis of the vibration data.
Alan L. Haase, senior vice president and general manager, Space & Technology/Montreal, commented that, "The Canadian Space Agency has played a key role in the development of technologies and products for applications in space. EMS' rad-hard space computer is a perfect example of such technology development, and is a very appropriate solution to the problem of data processing in the environment of the International Space Station."
Why MVIS
The background technology for MVIS is the Microgravity vibration Isolation Mount (MIM), which has been developed over the past 10 years by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The MIM technology has the capability to isolate experiments from vibrations inherent in manned flight systems such as those on the ISS. This technology offers a low-vibration microgravity environment that greatly improves the efficiency and quality of experiment operations. The MVIS Project is adapting the MIM technology into the core design of the Fluid Sciences Laboratory (FSL) of the European Space Agency (ESA).
This collaboration with ESA will provide Canadian scientists with privileged access to ESA's world-class Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL), and thus meet Canada's research needs in microgravity fluid physics. It will also enable Canada to remain the world leader in microgravity isolation systems.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of space, airborne and terrestrial wireless solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide, and has manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa, Montreal, and Brazil. For more information, visit the company on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
About the Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.