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Kennedy Space Center Chooses SRA for Constellation Launch Control Systems

Posted on: Wednesday, 17 December 2008, 08:10 CST

SRA-built Spacecraft Command Language provides cost savings, modernization to NASA launch control systems

FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SRA International, Inc. (NYSE: SRX), a leading provider of technology and strategic consulting services and solutions to government organizations and commercial clients, today announced that NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has chosen SRA's Spacecraft Command Language (SCL) to support the Constellation Program, which will develop the new systems and vehicles that will replace the Space Shuttle and provide for the nation's next generation of space exploration.

KSC is modernizing the launch control system, using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)-based solutions to control costs and introduce state-of-the-art technology. SRA's SCL software package will provide KSC engineers with the tools necessary to process the new launch vehicle and provide real-time monitoring and control of the launch control infrastructure.

SRA's SCL will be used throughout the entire infrastructure of the Ares launch vehicle, the replacement for the Space Shuttle. At KSC, SCL will be used to monitor ground support equipment; control the re-fueling process; regulate countdown sequencing; and review and test the Ares vehicle prior to and during countdown.

SCL has been approved for the International Space Station, and has more than 10 years of on-orbit experience as a COTS flight software product for NASA and military satellites. SCL uses the same software on the flight system as on ground control systems, allowing information to flow more easily among systems and providing cost savings.

"NASA has embraced the idea of software re-use throughout the entire lifecycle of the Constellation Program," said Brian Buckley, SRA's program manager for the SCL system. "The SCL software is being used successfully on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the manufacturing infrastructure used throughout the country by NASA. This contract solidifies SCL's role in the launch infrastructure for Constellation and will provide NASA with a high level of automation and significant cost savings."

About SRA International, Inc.

SRA and its subsidiaries are dedicated to solving complex problems of global significance for government organizations serving the national security, civil government and global health markets. Founded in 1978, the company and its subsidiaries have expertise in such areas as air surveillance and air traffic management; contract research organization (CRO) services; cybersecurity; disaster response planning; enterprise resource planning; environmental strategies; IT systems, infrastructure and managed services; logistics; public health preparedness; strategic management consulting; systems engineering; and wireless integration.

FORTUNE(R) magazine has chosen SRA as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for nine consecutive years. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 6,400 employees serving clients from headquarters in Fairfax, Va., and offices around the world. For additional information on SRA, please visit www.sra.com.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects for SRA, including statements about the estimated value of the contract and work to be performed, and other statements containing the words "estimates," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views as of December 17, 2008. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to December 17, 2008.

SOURCE SRA International, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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