The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellite was recently launched from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia with Goodrich Corporations satellite attitude control technology on board.

Goodrichs ISR division, Electro-Optical Systems team, headquartered in Danbury, Conn., the U.S., provided a range of attitude control components for the satellite.  The companys star tracker provides a small, low power, survivable attitude determination system which exceeds all spacecraft pointing knowledge requirements.  The design utilizes autonomous star identification and attitude determination algorithms that allow a simple, high-level interface with the NFIRE spacecraft.  In addition, Goodrich is providing a sensing and actuation suite comprised of momentum management technologies such as reaction wheels, torque rods and magnetometers all used to stabilize the spacecraft quickly and with minimal jitter.

"Goodrich is proud to be chosen by the MDA as part of this mission.  Our attitude control systems have over 30 years of proven performance and have earned a reputation for reliability.  We are committed to supporting this mission as well as future data gathering efforts," stated Chris Holmes, Vice President and General Manager of Goodrichs Electro-Optical Systems team.

The NFIRE satellite was built by General Dynamics and includes a primary payload that will generate experimental data of rocket exhaust plumes, and a secondary payload that will evaluate laser communications technologies.  The purpose of the NFIRE mission is to collect scientific data that will be used to help with the development of future missile defense technology efforts.