Astra delivers superior performance for a full range of space missions and is especially well-suited for low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. Features include multi-satellite operations, excellent noise performance, operation with Doppler conditions, unmatched ranging accuracy and the flexibility to support mission-unique requirements.

"Our new suite of Astra hardware modules gives satellite ground system operators and designers complete telemetry receiving, commanding and ranging capabilities for integration and test or operational ground stations," said Mike Jones, space business development manager for L-3 Telemetry & Instrumentation. "With its flexible and reconfigurable hardware capabilities, Astra ensures that operators can support multiple, different satellites and reprogram their ground system on the fly to accommodate specific satellite attributes. Astra also enables operators to use the same set of hardware modules for different functions, dramatically reducing overall life cycle costs." Many of the modules in the Astra hardware suite are based on L-3's Advanced Processing Module (APM), a highly flexible PCI card that is downloaded with software to perform modulation, demodulation and ranging. The APM provides the unprecedented ability to support unique requirements from just one system without having to redesign and build new hardware. Additionally, Astra modules run on Vista™, a Java-based software platform newly developed by L-3 for a broad range of telemetry applications. Vista remotely controls Astra modules to support "lights out" operation of remote tracking stations.

Astra™ is the latest addition to L-3's GroundWorks line of modular, integrated product solutions for telemetry and commanding. GroundWorks solutions are built on UNIX and PC platforms and can be used for a host of applications, including satellite command and control, mission/payload data handling and space link processing and routing.

L-3 Communications Telemetry & Instrumentation leads the telemetry and test industry in the design and manufacture of advanced real-time commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and software solutions for spacecraft command and control, satellite manufacturing and on-orbit operations, launch testing and monitoring, flight test, weapons test and development and general-purpose data acquisition. All solutions are offered with complete systems engineering and integration services and are backed by a global customer support organization. The company has more than 50 years of experience in telemetry and data acquisition technology and serves virtually every major aerospace organization in the world.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of secure communication systems and products, microwave components, avionics and ocean systems and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products and security systems. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies, aerospace and defense prime contractors, foreign governments and commercial telecommunications and cellular customers.

To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's website at www.L-3Com.com.