The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Hughes Space and Communications Co. [GMH] a $2.6 million contract to research the use of man-made diamonds in transistor packages to be included in gallium-arsenide satellite transponders as well as in radar systems. Hughes has awarded a $1 million subcontract to Crystalline Materials Corp. Ben efits of diamonds may include increased transponder power and lifetime, Hughes said. (HSC, 310/364-6363.)