Northrop Grumman, Saab<br> Ericsson Space sign contract

-The Saab Ericsson Space family of S19 type guidance systems has been used for thirty years, mainly in NASA sounding rocket based research in New Mexico. This order for upgrades clearly shows that we have done a good job and that we are trusted to continue, says Lars Ljunge, Manager of Saab Ericsson Space guidance system line of products. One major task of these guidance systems is to make it possible to launch scientific research payloads to very high altitude at ranges such as White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and at Esrange in Kiruna, Sweden and still make them land in a predefined, safe area. Another important task is to reduce the wind sensitivity of the rocket, so that launches can be performed under almost any wind condition. More than 200 sounding rocket launches over the past three decades have been guided by systems from Saab Ericsson Space, some of them up to more than 700 km of altitude. The latest launch was performed at White Sands on July 7. Normally, the guidance systems are recovered and refurbished to fly again several times before replacement. The upgraded system is dubbed S19 L and uses a laser gyro and a new guidance processor. The upgraded design will offer reduced weight and cost as well as further improved reliability. Current order is for delivery of four modified systems. These systems are to be ready for use in June of 2006.