Raytheon Completes Ground Segment Acceptance Testing Early for the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite S

AURORA, Colo. , Sept. 24, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) achieved a significant program milestone for the National Polar- orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) by successfully completing ground segment acceptance testing of the data processing segment at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility three weeks ahead of schedule.

The interface data processing segment, which will deliver the NPOESS data products to the users, is vital for future environmental analysis and weather forecasting supporting civil applications, scientific research, and military operations. This segment will first be used on the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP), a risk reduction mission for NPOESS that will fly early versions of key sensors as a bridge between NASA's EOS missions and NPOESS.

"This is another major program milestone leading to the launch and operations of the NPP system and then the NPOESS system," said Ed Phillips , system program director for the NPOESS Integrated Program Office.

This accomplishment sets a new standard in high-speed environmental data processing volume, accuracy and throughput.

"Accomplishing a new standard for high speed environmental data processing is a result of a dedicated team effort by Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and the government," said Mike Mader , vice president and NPOESS program lead for Raytheon. "The interface data processing segment is advancing scientific applications and is the latest in remote sensing technology to enhance weather forecasting."

Raytheon is part of the NPOESS team led by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. NPOESS is a satellite system that will be used to monitor global environmental conditions and collect and disseminate data related to weather, atmosphere, oceans, land and near-space environments.

Based in Garland, Texas , Raytheon IIS is a leading provider of information and intelligence solutions to the government. Raytheon IIS has annual revenues of approximately $2.6 billion and employs more than 9,000 engineering and technical professionals worldwide.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass. , Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

SOURCE Raytheon Company