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Press Release
For Release: IMMEDIATE
Media Contact:
Gayle Manculich
Phone: (412) 967-7477
Email:
gayle.manculich@l-3com.com
BRASHEAR LP WINS
STUDY CONTRACT FOR TERRESTRIAL PLANET FINDER
TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MIRROR
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, September 27, 2002:
Brashear LP was competitively selected to demonstrate
technology in support of preparations for NASA's
mission to detect and characterize Earth like planets
around solar like stars and search for life beyond our
solar system. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
is heading up the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF)
Technology Demonstration Mirror (TDM) effort. Brashear
was awarded the $225,000 study contract with the
expectation that these efforts may lead to a contract
to design, fabricate, test, evaluate, and deliver a 2
meter class technology demonstration mirror.
The TPF mission will
provide the first direct images of such Earth like
planets and provide low resolution spectroscopic data
on planetary atmospheres. In addition, TPF will
support general astrophysics studies by providing
unprecedented imaging capability. If selected for
Phase II, the Demonstration Phase, Brashear's efforts
will produce a technology demonstration primary mirror
that can exhibit readiness to realistically begin TPF
flight mirror design and development in the 2010 time
frame, with delivery by 2014.
Brashear LP COO, Dawn
Rucker, states "Brashear will present the results of
our study to the TPF science and engineering
communities at an upcoming forum in November 2002.
Brashear will collaborate with the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory to provide the broadest possible
dissemination of information, and discussion of
system-level issues."
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Recognized for world-class optics technology,
L-3 Brashear designs and produces complex electro-optical and
electro-mechanical systems and instrumentation for the
commercial and defense markets. The company delivers
proven, accurate, and reliable products from concept
through design, manufacture, test and life cycle
support. These systems are based on core skills in
precision motion systems, advanced design, analysis
and fabrication technology.
For more information
about L-3 Brashear, visit www.L-3Com.com
About Jet Propulsion
Laboratory
The Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, managed by the California Institute of
Technology, is NASA's lead center for robotic
exploration of the solar system. JPL's spacecrafts
have visited all the planets in the solar system
except Pluto. JPL telescopes are observing distant
galaxies in the universe to study how the solar system
was formed. JPL cameras and sensors are aboard
satellites circling Earth to study the ozone, oceans
and other Earth sciences. JPL is making advances in
technology with new instruments and computer programs
to help spaceships travel further and telescopes see
farther than ever before.
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