Capabilities

We work with our customers to uncover the intricate relationships of our climate systems by using satellite data to measure the amount of energy the Earth receives from the sun, and how that energy moves through the atmosphere. All of Earth’s systems wouldn’t be possible without our Sun. Space Systems dedicates time to researching and understanding changes in the sun and how those variations affect humanity and our planet Earth. When looking at Sun-Earth connections, we study areas such as the ionospheric E-region and solar-geomagnetic forcing observed during solar storms. We study the impact of solar proton events and galactic cosmic rays on the atmosphere.

Space Systems also performs meticulous observations of solar coronal mass ejections and tracks their evolution through solar wind and impact on the geo-space environment. We also study Earth’s systems from ground measurement sites, using weather balloons and local instruments, as well as aircraft field campaigns. Space Systems employees assist in the entire process—from integrating the instruments into the aircraft to analyzing the data collected. We work on exploring the important questions, and through our efforts in the advancement of science, technology, and information analytics, we seek to improve the quality of life today and for the future.

Mechanical engineers develop the designs that define how systems work, model those designs, and then test them to confirm that they work effectively and meet design specifications. Space Systems mechanical engineers develop designs that meet our customer’s exact needs and operate flawlessly in extreme conditions. Our engineers have the expertise to understand the project’s specific goals, the innovative skills to meet those needs, and the processes needed to test and verify that the system will work as designed. 

Electrical engineers define the power a system needs to function, provide a source and delivery system for that power, and develop the software the system needs to execute its tasks. In support of our customers, Space Systems’ electrical engineers develop power sources, delivery systems, and software codes that meet the rigorous power specifications of spacecraft and instruments.

At the NASA Langley Research Center’s Robotics Laboratory, our electrical engineers support development of software systems that control electro-mechanical systems and robotic devices in the execution of autonomous tasks. Our work encompasses software development and hardware integration, fabrication, component testing, and field tests to confirm that the automated tasks execute properly.

Instrument Engineering integrates components into complex systems that accomplish tasks. For our customers, Space Systems provides instrument engineering for systems critical to successful research in Earth and Space Science, such as sensors that must operate reliably in harsh environments. We support instrument and system design, define component specifications, and oversee the installation and calibration of these systems.

As engineering projects and project life cycles become more complex, systems engineers develop plans to ensure precise integration of each project element. Space Systems’ systems engineers provide our customers with full life-cycle support, making sure that all project elements meet rigorous specifications and overall project timelines.

Our disciplined approach clearly defines project schedules, identifies potential risks, and develops mitigation strategies to ensure that no risk jeopardizes any project.

Space Systems’ customers collect large amounts of critical data—data that help scientists to unravel the mysteries of the world around us. Space Systems is dedicated to protecting and maintaining the integrity of these data with high-quality, customer-focused data stewardship. We process, archive, and distribute large quantities of data quickly and efficiently. In some areas, we are responsible for managing over 3 petabytes of data. We have the expertise in high-performance computing to provide reliable data management and innovative solutions and methods that meet and often exceed customer needs. 

Data centers are intricate IT environments that must provide data production and wide-ranging data distribution services based on real-time needs of users. Ease of data access must, however, be balanced with strict security controls to maintain data and system integrity. Space Systems employs teams of skilled IT and analytics professionals, engrained with a culture of innovation, to accomplish successful data management. Collaboration and teamwork play essential roles in our ability to manage data centers.

Space Systems’ support is end-to-end: we manage the hardware and software, we manage the logistics that go into creating and validating data products, and we design and build user-friendly, efficient interfaces to deliver data products to users around the world.