Harris wins first Constellation contract

Harris Corp. this week announced that Kennedy Space Center has purchased launch control software for the Constellation program.

KSC has selected Harris' OS/COMET(R) telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) software for the Constellation launch control system. This is the first of many contracts Harris expects in development of the next-generation spacecraft, which will replace the space shuttle.

"Launch control is the perfect space application for OS/COMET(R) and this procurement by KSC is an indication of NASA's new direction of using (commercial off the shelf products) for the Constellation program," said Frank Van Rensselaer, Harris vice president and senior executive account manager, NASA Programs. "Harris has a 50-year legacy with the NASA mission to complement more than two decades of successful TT&C deployments supporting commercial and defense spacecraft. OS/COMET(R) is the lowest risk COTS launch control choice for Constellation."

OS/COMET(R) is a commercial off-the-shelf software tool that provides telemetry, tracking and command capabilities for military, intelligence and commercial satellite constellations.

Harris officials expect to win many more contracts, worth billions, as the Constellation program heads toward its first flight in 2015.