[Satellite Today – 3-14-08] Space Micro Inc. has been awarded a contract to develop a miniaturized space weather instrument for the U.S. Air Force, Space Micro announced March 13.
    The phase 1 contract, which was awarded under the Small Business Innovative Research program, is scheduled to be completed in late 2008.
    “Space Micro has teamed with the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs to develop a [micro-electromechanical systems]-based miniature instrument with supporting electronics,” David Bozek, vice president of the company’s Space Electronics division, said in a statement. “The plan is to productize this technology and provide satellite designers with a device that offers a sensing capability that is equal to or better than current products on the market, but in a smaller package and at a lower price point.”
    Financial details of the contract were not released.