NASA Orion Audio System built by Harris. Photo: Business Wire

Harris will provide an audio communications system for NASA’s first human deep-space exploration mission, scheduled to launch in 2022 onboard the Orion spacecraft, the company announced today. Orion is NASA’s first spacecraft designed for long-duration, deep-space exploration by humans.

Harris was selected by Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for Orion, to deliver the audio system for Exploration Mission-2, the first crewed flight for the Orion spacecraft. The system, which will enable astronauts to communicate with each other and NASA, will feature Audio Control Units (ACU), Audio Interface Units (AIU), and a Speaker Unit (SPU). 

“The Harris-built audio system will be a crucial communications tool for astronauts on board this and future Orion missions, such as flights to Mars and beyond,” said Harris Vice President and General Manager Murali Krishnan.