[Satellite TODAY 06-25-10] Harris Corp. has been awarded a five-year, $140 million contract by General Dynamics to modernize the ground segment of NASA’s satellite communications network, the company announced June 24.
    Harris will replace all equipment and software in the space-to-ground link of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The space-to-ground link will feature 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,” Harris Vice President of NASA Programs Frank Van Rensselaer said in a statement.
    Harris is part of a General Dynamics-led team working under NASA’s Space Network Ground Segment (SGSS) contract. Harris was a primary developer of the original TDRSS ground system in White Sands in the early 1980s.

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