Boeing Awarded NASA Human and Robotic Technology Development Projects

NASA recently selected Boeing [NYSE: BA] to work
on seven technology development projects worth almost $25 million (in the
first year) as part of NASA’s Human and Robotic Technology (H&RT) program.

The H&RT is strategically linked to Project Constellation Spirals one and
two, which are efforts to return humans to the moon by 2020. The development
projects will support the research and technology goals and objectives of
the Vision for Space Exploration.

“These development projects will allow NASA to develop the critical
technologies needed to return to the moon and one day to Mars,” said Jack
Chenevey, Boeing lead for H&RT activities. ” This opportunity to be part of
the very first round of technology developments means Boeing will be well
positioned to continue our participation in the Nation’s crewed space
activities and that we will be able to continue to bring value to NASA as
they move toward the next frontiers of space exploration.”

Boeing was awarded contracts in the following areas:

Fully Integrated Scalable, Modular Two Fluid Propulsion and Power Module for
Sustainable Architecture: Valued at more than $2 million, this project will
be managed by Boeing Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power in Canoga Park , Calif. ,
focusing on the development of a combined propulsion and power unit with a
variety of uses. It will require only two liquid propellants, compared to as
many as five in current designs.

High Voltage/High Temperature Electronics for Space Explorarion
(Rocketdyne): T his project will be aimed at developing wide band gap
semiconductor electronic power devices. Complex, heavy cooling systems will
be eliminated. Potential value for Phase 1 could be more than $2 million.
Critical Thrust Chamber Demonstrations for a Revolutionary Ultra-High Thrust
Range Cryogenic Space Engine (Rocketdyne): With a potential development
value of nearly $6 million , this unique thrust chamber design could be used
any engine size.

Multimegawatt-Class Magneto Plasma Dynamic Electric Propulsion System
Demonstration (Rocketdyne): The goal is a lithium-fueled 500-kWe electric
propulsion system capable of running for up to 1,000 hours. Part of the
demonstration will include a test at the full power required for Mars/Lunar
missions. Phase 1 research could be nearly $6 million.

Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology Demonstration : As part of
this four-year demonstration with a first year value of $3.1 million,
engineers at Huntington Beach, Calif. will integrate Light Detection and
Ranging (Lidar) terrain mapping and safe site selection software and
hardware with flight proven guidance and control to provide autonomous
navigation and hazard avoidance during landing. Boeing will also d evelop
hardware and software, and will build a prototype lander for testing,
culminating in a drop test over hazardous terrain.

High Orbit Spacecraft Testbed (HOST) Technology Demonstrator: A 3.5-year
project to design and build a spacecraft accommodating selected flight
experiments HOST will be designed to operate for up to 2 years in a severe
radiation environment. Boeing Phantom Works, in Seattle , Washington , will
manage this program. The value for phase 1 is $3.8 million. The NASA Living
With a Star (LWS) Space Experiment Testbed project at NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center will also provide an invited payload.

Ultra-High Specific Power Density Solar Blanket (Boeing Satellite Systems):
Boeing Spectrolab, based in Sylmar, Calif. will receive $1.96 million for
the first year to develop new space photovoltaic panel technologies, with
extremely high specific power and compact stowage volume, enabling missions
with high electric power demands on the surface of the moon and Mars, as
well as on spacecraft.

In addition to these awards, Boeing will also serve as a subcontractor to
the Georgia Institute of Technology for a project called Silicon-Germanium
Integrated Electronics for Extreme Environments. This project will develop
electronic modules able to survive the Lunar night without heaters. By
eliminating heaters, low-temperature electronics can reduce the need for
batteries, save weight, and lower the mission costs.

Of the 70 proposals selected by NASA as part of its H&RT Broad Agency
Announcement issued in July 2005, Boeing received the most of any single
contractor. NASA is expected to finalize the contracts in Fiscal 2005.
Phantom Works is the advanced research and development unit and catalyst of
innovation for Boeing. Through its Integrated Defense Advanced Systems
group, it provides leading edge systems and technology solutions to Boeing
Integrated Defense Systems.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of
the world’s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St.
Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It
provides network-centric system solutions to its global military,
government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world’s largest
military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite manufacturer
and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems
integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security;
NASA’s largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.