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NASA Gives Green Light For Next Phase of Program WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., February 20, 2007 — ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) today announced that its Space Systems Division has successfully passed the critical design review for the advanced baseline imager (ABI) it is preparing for NASA's next generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. The review was conducted February 15-16 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where ITT has facilities, along with contributing key subcontractors, BAE Systems, Babcock Incorporated, BEI Technologies, DRS Technologies, L-3 Communications SSG-Tinsley and Northrop Grumman Space Technology. NASA carefully examined all attributes of the ITT instrument, including its design, architecture, assembly, and electronics. After the two days, NASA declared its satisfaction with the ABI design and approved the next phase of the program a manufacturing readiness review, which begins the integration of the flight qualification module and after which production of flight instruments will commence. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Systems Review Manager, co-chair Tom Cygnarowicz said that "ITT has met the requirements for CDR" and is "impressed with the work accomplished since the preliminary design review (PDR)". "Passing this critical design review was a major milestone," said Frank Koester, ITT Space System Division vice-president and director, Commercial and Space Science Systems. "It confirms that we have an innovative, robust, reliable and low-risk solution for this important project. ITT's instruments have made a significant difference in weather forecasting, and this latest ABI adds to that legacy. "It took a collaborative team of ITT people working closely with NASA GSFC personnel, using sound engineering principles and lean six-sigma techniques to deliver a system that actually exceeded customer expectations," Koester added. The GOES program is a key element of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) operations. The GOES-R series of satellites will be comprised of improved spacecraft and instrument technologies, which will result in more timely and accurate weather forecasts and improved support for the detection and observations of meteorological phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property, and ultimately, economic health and development. ITT's ABI represents a significant advancement in the performance over the current generation of geostationary imagers. Compared to the current GOES imager, ITT's ABI advanced design will provide users with twice the spatial resolution, three times the number of spectral channels, improved signal to noise ratio and image navigation pointing system. It also provides a six times faster scan rate allowing for a full earth scan every 5 minutes vs. the 15 minutes it currently takes. ABI's two-mirror scanner will provide a 100% scan efficiency and a fully programmable scanner to yield maximum flexibility on orbit - a first for GOES satellites. These improved features will allow meteorologists and climatologists to significantly improve the accuracy of their products both in forecasting and nowcasting. The ABI is a multi-spectral channel, two-axis scanning radiometer designed to provide variable area imagery and radiometric information of the Earth's surface, atmosphere and cloud cover. ABI data will provide the core information that the National Weather Service uses for routine weather and severe storm forecasting. "The design and performance of the ABI is all about providing high-quality data at low risk," said Koester. "ITT has a long history of program development, especially in sensors, and we are proud of our 40-year history working with NASA and NOAA on meteorological programs." About ITT Corporation ITT Corporation (www.itt.com) supplies advanced technology products and services in several growth markets. ITT is a global leader in the transport, treatment and control of water, wastewater and other fluids. The company plays a vital role in international security through its defense communications and electronics products; space surveillance and intelligence systems; and advanced engineering and related services. It also serves the growing leisure marine and electronic components markets with a wide range of products. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, the company generated $7.8 billion in 2006 sales. In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, ITT Corporation stock is traded on the Paris, London and Frankfurt exchanges. For free B-roll/video content and logo about ITT Corporation, please log onto http://www.thenewsmarket.com/itt to preview and request video. You can receive broadcast-standard video quality digitally or by tape from this site. Registration and video are free to the media. Editor's Note: For additional information about ITT Industries Space Systems visit our Web site at http://www.ssd.itt.com/ © ITT Industries, 2007. |
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