Ball Aerospace Forms Alliance With Vexcel For Radar Technology

SPACEWAR

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission in February has revolutionized 3D mapping models

Boulder - Nov. 14, 2000
Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. announced today that it has acquired a minority interest in Vexcel Corporation. This investment is part of Ball Aerospace's long-term strategy to be a leader in the field of radar remote sensing. Ball Aerospace's space systems heritage and Vexcel's ground systems expertise combine to provide end-to-end radar systems capabilities and information products that are unmatched in the industry.

Vexcel, based in Boulder, Colo., is an internationally recognized supplier of remote sensing data processing systems, with special emphasis on synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The company has provided support to major national SAR missions and initiatives, including the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Discoverer II, and LightSAR, and is currently under exclusive contract to provide the ground processing system for Japan's PALSAR satellite.

Vexcel's business activities include SAR satellite mission design, algorithm development for image formation and information extraction from SAR data, turnkey remote sensing ground stations, and the production of value-added information products from both SAR and high-resolution optical remote sensing data. Customers include international space agencies, research organizations, and commercial vertical markets, such as telecommunication companies that rely on information products created from remote sensing data.

Ball Aerospace provides imaging, communications and information products and services for commercial and government customers. Optical and radar remote sensing systems are a core focus of this business. Ball Aerospace's participation in radar remote sensing projects includes the SAR antennas for NASA's SRTM, that recently created precise topographic maps of the Earth, the bus for Canada's Radarsat and many other SAR development activities. Other Ball Aerospace products and services include spacecraft and instruments for scientific, defense and commercial customers, as well as systems engineering services.

"Ball Aerospace and Vexcel synergies fortify both corporations' long-term objectives," says Don Vanlandingham, Ball Aerospace president and chief executive officer. "The benefit of this strategic alliance is our greatly expanded thrust into the ground data system marketplace. Vexcel's proficiencies dovetail with our imaging systems experience to give us end-to-end capabilities in remote sensing systems and information product markets. Our alliance results in enhanced technical capabilities for current customers, as well as to new customers and markets."

"Vexcel has the explicitly stated goal of being the premier radar-imaging firm in the world. Our alliance with Ball Aerospace is an important step toward making that happen," says Vexcel President and Chief Executive Officer John Curlander. "This alliance is a win-win relationship for both corporations."

SPACEWAR

The Warfighter's Edge: First Hyperspectral Images From Space
Kirtland AFB - September 8, 2000

Part of a winning military strategy relies not only on smart tactical planning, but on theater commanders who can quickly collect detailed information about the battlefield. They must understand terrain -- urban and rural -- by assessing its topographical configuration and composition. They must accurately locate and identify objects upon it and discriminate between friend and foe, between landforms that will either aid or impair an operation.

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