Advanced Technology Center Brochure - Lockheed Martin

Space Systems Company 

Advanced Technology Center 

Building the Future through Innovation

San Francisco Bay Area Denver Metropolitan Area

Phenomenology 

Precision Pointing 

and Controls 

Advanced 

Telecommunications 

Materials 

and Structures 

Optics 

and Electro-Optics 

Thermal Sciences 

Modeling, Simulation 

and Information Sciences 

Technology Focused on 

Our Customers’ Missions 

Lockheed Martin Corporation’s Advanced 

Technology Center maintains expertise in 

numerous technologies. By leveraging these 

technologies and applying an integrated, 

multidisciplinary approach, we help solve our 

customers’ most demanding technical challenges. 

Space Sciences 

and Instrumentation

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center 

Building the Future through Innovation 

Aerospace and defense customers turn to Lockheed Martin 

Corporation’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) for 

answers to their complex scientific and technical problems. 

Committed to advancing the state of the art through 

innovation, we serve the practical needs of our business 

partners by providing technical solutions that enable new 

architectures and new missions—and build the foundation for 

future development. 

The ATC takes an integrated, systems-level approach to the 

challenges presented by 21st century aerospace and defense 

missions. Looking at mission requirements from multiple 

perspectives, we produce robust, innovative solutions that 

pave the way for pioneering technical achievements, 

contribute to the body of scientific knowledge and create 

entirely new capabilities. 

Lockheed Martin 



3251 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304 

atc.communications@lmco.com 

1


Technological Excellence 

The Advanced Technology Center—excellence contained within 

a fully integrated science and technological center—is one of the 

largest concentrations of advanced research and development 

activity in the aerospace industry. The ATC comprises 235 

laboratories, including 42 dedicated to flight hardware, at facilities 

in Silicon Valley, California, and the Denver, Colorado, area. 

More than 700 engineers and scientists, most holding advanced 

degrees, are practiced in a wide array of technical disciplines. 

Since the 1950s, we have been dedicated to serving Lockheed 

Martin Corporation’s customers by turning technological 

breakthroughs into practical business solutions. 

Connecting Technology to Customers’ Missions 

The ATC develops innovative technological solutions that target our customers’ needs. An entire organization within 

the ATC is charged with keeping a finger on the pulse of customer needs to help guide the future direction of 

technical development. Our staff maintains strong connections with program development teams at the Department 

of Defense and Homeland Security, within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and 

throughout Lockheed Martin Corporation with the goal of better understanding our customers’ missions. This close 

association fosters effective communication and results in innovative solutions that are incorporated into programs 

to improve technical performance, shorten development time and reduce developmental and operational costs. 

2 

Excelling in Space Science 

The Space Sciences effort represents an 

independent line of business within the 

organization. Our Solar and Astrophysics and 

Space Physics Departments combine 

technological expertise from throughout the 

ATC to build unique space instrumentation for 

monitoring the Sun, Earth and space 

environments. With a strong, demonstrated 

record of excellence—successfully fielding 

more than 160 space instruments in the past 

40 years—our space scientists are highly 

acclaimed members of the international 

scientific community. This dedicated group 

has made major contributions to the current 

understanding of space physics and the sunsolar 

system connection. In addition, this work 

feeds experiential data back to the rest of the 

ATC, providing a dynamic environment for the 

development of further technology.

Focusing on Practical Results 

Although our researchers operate at the frontiers of technological 

development, we understand the importance of disciplined business 

performance. The ATC has a proven track record for responsible program 

management and maintaining trusted partnerships with our customers. Close 

cooperation among our science, engineering and program leadership teams 

reduces mission risk and optimizes return on investment. 

In addition, the work performed at the ATC often creates new technological 

possibilities. This can have a profound impact on the business by generating 

novel opportunities for our customers. 

Building Strong Technological Foundations 

Providing effective, cutting-edge technical solutions to the aerospace and 

defense communities requires solid scientific and mathematical foundations. 

For example, the ability to understand the wavelength-dependent 

fundamentals of observable phenomena has a direct impact on the ability to 

accurately address customers’ remote sensing, communications, missile 

defense and directed-energy missions. Applying our growing knowledge of 

phenomenology in all of these pursuits allows us to develop specific technical 

solutions for a wide array of customer missions. 

Leveraging our extensive knowledge of first principles, the ATC provides 

focused troubleshooting and problem-solving services to the Lockheed Martin 

corporate community. When a program faces difficult issues—such as the 

need to improve the performance of materials under extreme conditions or an 

unusual requirement to measure extremely subtle shifts in electromagnetic 

radiation—ATC scientists and engineers apply their expertise in fundamental 

chemistry, physics and mathematics to develop unique, often game-changing, 

solutions. 

Complementary Core Capabilities 

To support the advanced technology requirements of Lockheed Martin and its 

government, military and civil customers, the ATC maintains leadership in 

several complementary technical disciplines. By combining these core 

capabilities, we build premier instruments for space science research, and 

design and build progressive technical solutions for military weapons and 

surveillance systems as well as for missile defense and homeland security 

applications. 

Optics and Electo-Optics 

Phenomenology 

Precision Pointing 

and Controls 

4 

8 

12 

Materials and Structures 

Thermal Science 

16 

Advanced 

Telecommunications 

20 

24 

28 

Modeling, Simulation and 

Information Science 

32 

Space Sciences 

and Instrumentation 

3

Optics and Electro-Optics 

Many systems that Lockheed Martin develops 

for ground, airborne and space applications 

have an optical mission or contain critical 

optical subsystems—and our customers often 

present demanding optical challenges. For 

example, the requirement to focus a highenergy 

laser beam on a high-speed target, 

through a turbulent atmosphere, from a 

moving aircraft demands unique solutions in 

optical pointing, tracking and wavefront 

control. Building a camera that can resolve a 

faint celestial object over 10 billion light-years 

away presents another set of optical design 

problems. 

The ATC develops complex electro-optical 

systems that must achieve high levels of 

performance, often under very difficult 

conditions. Our pursuits in this area 

encompass the design and execution of 

sensor systems, both “passive” systems that 

measure only signals provided by nature and 

“active” systems that send out their own probe 

beams and then measure the beams’ return to 

extract information about physical 

observables. We also design and develop 

transmission systems in which optical signals 

are propagated outward to meet requirements 

for missions such as communications and 

directed energy. 

We have supported critical defense programs 

such as Airborne Laser (ABL) and Multiple Kill 

Vehicle (MKV) as well as important new 

scientific efforts such as the Near Infrared 

Camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb 

Space Telescope. ATC scientists, engineers 

and technologists utilize the full spectrum of 

disciplines necessary to execute advanced 

electro-optic concepts—from optical design 

and performance analysis to end-to-end 

testing of electro-optic systems. This depth of 

experience allows us to deal effectively with 

any kind of optics-related problem, offering 

Lockheed Martin customers comprehensive 

electro-optic solutions while giving the 

company a critical competitive edge. 

Mastering Challenges 

in Advanced Optics 

Development 

4 

Airborne Laser Test Bed 

This test bed proved early concepts for beam control. 

Airborne Laser 

ABL is a highly modified B747 with a fully articulating turreted beam 

director, high energy laser weapon and beam control system.


Adaptive Optics 

In adaptive systems, actuated optics use sensor 

measurements to adapt to changing conditions, 

dramatically improving optical performance. 

Applications that benefit from adaptive optics 

techniques include: 

• Directed energy systems: Increase the 

quality and stability of the transmitted beam, 

delivering higher power to the target 

• Imaging systems: Enhance image quality and 

resolution 

• Free-space laser communications systems: 

Improve the performance of optical links 

Our strength is developing new architectures and 

algorithms as well as building blocks such as novel 

wavefront sensors, fast-steering mirrors, deformable 

mirrors and optical delay lines. A critical design 

challenge is to understand and mitigate the effect of 

atmospheric turbulence on the performance of optical 

systems. To that end, we have established worldclass 

analytical and simulation capabilities that 

provide new insights into future systems. 

Fold Flats 

Collimating 

Triplet 

Pick-off-Mirrors 

Space Telescopes 

Dichroic Beam 

Splitter 

ATC optical designers are building the Near 

Infrared Camera (NIRCam), the principal science 

instrument aboard the James Webb Space 

Telescope (JWST). Building and delivering a flight 

imaging system that works well over a large 

spectrum (0.6 to 5.0 microns), and under hard 

cryogenic conditions (35 Kelvin), presents 

significant design challenges. Moreover, the 

observatory operates at the second Lagrangian 

point—1 million miles from Earth—therefore, no 

servicing missions are possible and reliability is 

paramount. 

Shortwave 

Camera Triplet 

Filter Wheel 

Assemblies 

Short Wave Focal 

Plane Array 

Long Wave Focal 

Plane Array 

NIRCam Optics 

Optical Delay Lines Fast-Steering Mirrors 

76-Actuator Deformable Mirror 

NIRCam 

Instruments 

(2 shown) 

6.5-m 

Primary 

Mirror on 

JWST 

NIRCam will investigate the earliest origins of the 

universe by imaging stars at the furthest reaches of the 

universe in the near infrared. 

(a) Dark Cloud 

Dense Core 

(b) Gravitational 

Collapse 

200,000 AU 10,000 AU 

Time=0 

(c) Protostar Envelope 

Bipolar 

Flow 

Disk 

500 AU 

10,000 to 

100,000 yrs 

5


Distributed Aperture Telescope Optics 

In imaging applications, the distributed aperture 

approach uses multiple small telescope modules to yield 

a system with a much larger effective aperture than a 

single module. The distinct advantage of this approach is 

that these modules can be packaged in a smaller 

envelope, reducing the size, weight and cost of the 

system and providing a new path to an affordable high 

resolution. 

Star-9 Laboratory Test Bed 

Star-9 Distributed Aperture Telescope 

Many small phased telescope modules yield a larger effective 

aperture. Measured Modulation Transfer Function ( MTF) compares 

well with theory (upper right) and is near diffraction limited 

6 

The key to making a distributed aperture optical 

system work is to properly phase the individual 

modules. We demonstrated the fundamental 

feasibility of this approach with the Star-9 test bed 

and have quantified performance with subsequent 

test bed activities. Now we are exploring the utility of 

a distributed aperture system as a Fourier transform 

imaging spectrometer, providing both high spatial 

and high spectral resolution without the need for 

additional hardware by modifying the way the system 

acquires and processes data. 

Distributed aperture technology can also be applied 

to optical projection of laser power. Compared to a 

single projecting aperture, a properly phased 

distributed N-aperture system can be used as a 

transmitter that exhibits N2-fold enhancement of 

peak intensity and N-fold reduction of spot size in the 

far field. We demonstrated this behavior in the High- 

Powered Phased Arrays of Phased Arrays (HIPOP) 

Program for the U.S. Airforce Research Lab. 

MTF 

0.5 

0.4 

0.3 

0.2 

0.1 

2D-MTF 

Theory 

Experiment 

0 

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 

Spatial Frequency (u/uo ) 

Initial Image-1 Module Final Restored 

Image-9 Modules Phased


Optical Design Tool 

To support distributed aperture development, 

our optical designers use Optima, an ATCdeveloped 

proprietary design tool uniquely 

suited for high-performance systems. Optima 

is the first optical design tool to implement the 

features needed to handle distributed aperture 

systems, giving development teams a 

competitive advantage, and the first code to 

implement polarization ray trace capabilities. 

In addition, ATC code developers can readily 

customize Optima to a specific configuration, 

an advantage over commercial packages 

where the source code is not accessible. 

Integrated Optical Gauge Design 

Measurement Paths 

E 

F 

A 

B 

C 

D 

Miniature Gauge 

Integrated Gauge. Miniaturized gauge (on top of can) saves 

cost and weight compared with a discrete gauge in background. 

Optima 

ATC-developed code was used in Star-9 distributed aperture optical design. 

Metrology 

Advanced optical systems, such as the Space 

Interferometer Mission (SIM) for the NASA Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory, often require knowing the relative 

positions of components to nano- or picometer 

accuracies. In response to that need, the ATC has 

developed a family of heterodyne-interferometric gauges 

that define a new state of the art in metrology. Using 

these discrete gauges, we have demonstrated relative 

precision of 20 picometers. 

In a related effort, ATC engineers demonstrated an 

integrated, optics-based, miniaturized gauge to replace a 

bulk-optic discrete system with many separate elements. 

This integrated approach yields cost, size, weight and 

risk advantages over the conventional approach. 

Integrated Laser and Interferometer 

7

Phenomenology 

Many of the technological challenges we face 

today involve sensing and deciphering subtle 

changes in electromagnetic radiation. Tasks 

such as observing ozone depletion in the 

Antarctic upper atmosphere, measuring the 

effects of solar flares on Earth’s 

magnetosphere, and identifying and tracking 

ballistic missile launches around the globe 

require an ability to read fluctuations in 

spectral emissions. 

A growing core capability at the ATC, 

phenomenology is the science concerned with 

predicting, measuring and analyzing spectral 

observables—from the ultraviolet to the longwave 

infrared—for such diverse applications 

as environmental monitoring, scientific 

research and military surveillance. By 

accurately measuring and interpreting spectral 

observables, then coupling that knowledge 

with an understanding of the critical 

requirements of practical applications, we 

develop specific technical solutions for a wide 

array of customer missions. In essence, 

phenomenology underpins our ability to 

“understand the problem,” allowing us to 

develop the best solution to solve it. 

ATC phenomenologists support advanced 

technology development across multiple lines 

of business. Our work embraces atmospheric 

physics, atmospheric transmission, remote 

sensing and detection, spectroscopy, rocket 

exhaust plume physics and re-entry sciences. 

Exploiting Physics 

to Derive Observables 

8 

Rocket Exhaust Physics 

ATC spatial model shows plume exhaust gas and particulate infrared 

(IR) emission at an altitude of 200 kilometers. 

Earth Surveillance 

The Lockheed Martin Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) HEO-1 

instrument scans the Earth to detect missile launches. In this image, 

SBIRS detects the hot plume and trail of a Delta-IV rocket (upper right 

hand corner) launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Phenomenology 

Sensor Design Applications 

When developing sensors for any 

application, the ATC’s mission is to 

translate what nature allows us to see 

into an optimal design. Sensor design 

has no “one size fits all” solution. 

Each application requires a fresh 

examination of the phenomenology 

involved with the mission. This often 

means returning to basic first 

principles physics to identify relevant 

phenomena and then constructing 

models to characterize the emissive 

and reflective properties inherent in 

an observable scene. 

Accurate radiometric maps or scenes 

are an essential aspect of sensor 

system design. Using high-power 

computers and special 

phenomenology models, our 

engineers and technologists generate 

scenarios that simulate the real-world 

conditions under which the sensor 

must carry out its mission. 

Because an intricate spectral 

relationship exists between target, 

background and atmosphere, minute 

changes in a sensor’s spectral 

bandpass can dramatically affect its 

performance. With a suite of models 

and expertise available, sensor 

bandpass optimization has become a 

core capability at the ATC and a 

significant benefit to many Lockheed 

Martin sensor programs. 

Once a sensor is fielded, 

phenomenology expertise supports 

the analysis of data acquired by the 

sensor in order to characterize and 

validate the performance of the 

sensor system. These analyses 

include the transformation of the 

sensor output stream into spectral 

identification, remote sensing feature 

extraction and/or intelligence data 

products. 

Atmospheric Transmission 

1.0 

0.8 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0 

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 

0.01 

16 

Center of band (µm) 

Sensor Band Trades 

Computer models predict the spectral radiance and atmospheric transmission 

compared with measured satellite data from the MODerate Imaging Spectrometer 

(MODIS). Comparisons such as these provide the spectral basis for models used in 

system-level band trades. 

Atmospheric Modeling 

Our researchers use 4D atmospheric 

circulation (x,y,z,t) models to predict high 

spatial and high temporal atmospheric 

variables with applications to remote 

sensing and air quality monitoring 

systems. This example illustrates a 

simulation of hurricane Katrina (below). 

Legend: white is cloud ice, light blue is 

cloud liquid water, dark blue is ocean and 

light brown is land. 

Plexus atm. Trans. 

Plexus atm. Rad. 

Ssgm mean rad. 

Modis mean rad. 

1000 

Radiance Image 

The radiance image above is a 

simulation of the hurricane model 

as viewed by a geostationary 

satellite platform using an MWIR 

sensor band at 6.95 microns. 

High-Altitude Clouds 

The ATC-built Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) was the first 

instrument to globally map the frequency of upper tropospheric cirrus cloud 

occurrence using the infrared. Thin cirrus clouds commonly appear near the tropical 

tropopause at altitudes between 12 and 18 kilometers. 

100 

10 

1 

0.1 

Mean Radiance (microflicks) 

9

Phenomenology 

Remote Sensing Models and Simulation 

Phenomenology addresses a broad range of 

atmospheric science and remote sensing 

topics. These include end-to-end 

hyperspectral modeling, system analysis 

trade studies, atmospheric correction 

algorithms, data extraction algorithms related 

to the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and 

chemical detection. 

The ATC employs a high-performance 

computing environment to develop state-ofthe-art 

remote sensing phenomenology 

software and mathematical algorithms to 

model natural processes. Our computer 

simulation laboratory hosts a variety of 

radiative transfer, atmospheric circulation and 

detailed sensor models to aid in the 

understanding and exploitation of remotely 

sensed data. 

10 

Airstream 

Thrust 

Measured 

Predicted 

Modeling Medium Wave Infrared (MWIR) Radiance 

ATC phenomenologists use a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) 

plume code to predict the exhaust flow field and associated MWIR 

radiance map of plumes generated from a divert and attitude control 

system (DACS) employed by a high-altitude interceptor. Tail-on views 

(inset) of the interceptor and plume show how the model has been 

validated against actual flight measurement of DACS plumes from a 

ground-based sensor. 

Three-dimensional Topography 

This shows the same scene from a simulated 

scanning LIDAR system on a moving platform. The 

simulation includes atmospheric contributions and 

photon counting statistics. 

Rocket Exhaust Plume Radiation 

Rocket exhaust plume signatures are a core 

phenomenology interest area. Our engineers model 

all aspects of flight from the launch to the post-boost 

deployment phase. The ATC developed the 

government standard code for high-altitude missile 

exhaust radiation and a unique signature model for 

the exhaust radiance from unconventional missiles 

flying at extreme angles of attack. We also 

developed an advanced radiance model for the 

persistent trail left behind by most missiles. These 

advanced ATC codes supplement government 

models and allow missile defense systems to more 

readily recognize a threat missile’s behavior and 

respond accordingly. 

Other areas of expertise include modeling exhaust 

plume radiance from the small divert jets used to 

control interceptors. These models allow us to 

characterize the performance of an interceptor and 

minimize the potential for sensor blinding. 

Fit Value 

Hyperspectral Data Exploitation 

Image (left) illustrates the detection of a controlled 

gas release at a test facility using state-of-the-art 

hyperspectral processing tools. The plot (below) 

illustrates the spectral fit of the gas to the superpixel 

spectrum after extensive processing. 

-0.00 

-0.05 

-0.10 

-0.15 

8 9 10 11 12 13 

Wavelength (microns) 

Active and Passive 

Remote Sensing 

A simulated passive image 

(above) is modeled with 

Digital Image Remote 

Sensing Image Generator 

(DIRSIG RIT). The image 

represents a 7.0-cm spatial 

resolution simulation of 218 

spectral bands from 0.39 to 

2.56 microns. The model 

includes aerosol, haze and 

multi-scattering effects.

Phenomenology 

Critical Analyses for 

Missile Defense Applications 

The ATC models the full range of midcourse 

and reentry objects, incorporating experience 

in material properties, heat transfer, fluid 

dynamics, pyrolysis and ablation to generate 

passive observables in the visible through 

long wavelength infrared (LWIR). Individual 

targets are analyzed and rendered in 

aggregate to feed hardware-in-the-loop 

simulators. Data are routinely analyzed and 

compared with predictions. Additional 

capabilities involve off-body phenomena such 

as reentry wakes (RF and IR) from ablating 

heat shield products and trails from residual 

fuel interaction with the atmosphere. 

Characterizing the Battlespace 

Theater commanders require information that 

describes the environments they will face. 

Therefore, phenomenology also characterizes 

battlespace events such as explosions and 

fires. We are developing and validating both 

spectral and temporal models of these events. 

Other vital information when considering 

deployments of ground assets includes 

location of ground fires, estimates of their size 

and potential for propagation, and direction of 

propagation. Accurate detection and 

characterization of fires for remote sensing 

involves critical waveband and algorithm 

selection. The ATC is analyzing overhead 

data to define spectral characteristics useful 

for early fire detection. 

Missile Detection and Tracking 

Analysts insert computed theater missile infrared radiance (hard body and 

plume in the 3- to 5-micron band) into a desert background radiance scene. 

This type of scene is used to test and develop detection and tracking 

algorithms for the challenging case of low-intensity targets embedded in 

highly cluttered backgrounds. 

Target Modeling 

Midcourse and reentry target models generate 

surface temperatures (right) that are then 

validated against radiance measurements (far 

right) using emission and reflection algorithms. 

The modeling accounts for heat transfer during 

reentry, in-depth thermal conduction, pyrolysis 

and ablation and heating effects in rarefied 

flow regimes. 

Ground Fire Data Analysis 

Results of 11-micron observations show the positive contrast flame front 

and embers (left) and the negative contrast smoke trail (right). 

11

Precision Pointing and Controls 

As mission requirements become more demanding, 

the need for more sophisticated control over the 

operation of advanced systems increases. How do we 

stabilize a camera, mounted on a jittering satellite, to 

achieve ultra-sharp images of Earth from 700 

kilometers out in space? How do we point a telescope 

with enough precision to measure the minute 

variations in the position of a star located hundreds of 

light-years away? 

Finding practical answers to questions like these is 

one of the great challenges in advanced technology 

development—and it is one of the core competencies 

of the ATC. Our Precision Pointing and Controls 

organization provides mission-critical support for 

many Lockheed Martin lines of business as well as for 

external customers’ research and development efforts. 

Operating across the entire design and development 

cycle, ATC teams use a variety of tools and rapid 

prototyping techniques to model complex systems in a 

short period of time. These end-to-end mission 

simulations predict the behavior of dynamic systems 

in the environment in which they are expected to 

perform. 

Our pointing and controls engineers and technologists 

have supported multiple high-profile programs 

including Terminal High Altitude Area Defense 

(THAAD), Airborne Laser (ABL), Space Based 

Infrared System (SBIRS) and Gravity Probe B. In 

addition, advanced research and development efforts 

in areas such as innovative system and control 

architectures, structural dynamics, vibration isolation, 

precision optical and wavefront control, advanced 

navigation, and high-speed and ultra-quiet electronics 

enable future systems with ever greater capabilities. 

The ATC also explores new frontiers in the 

development of autonomous and distributed systems. 

One example is complex robotic systems that can 

perform difficult tasks in remote locations without 

human intervention, executing missions with a high 

level of autonomy. These smart systems will play an 

increasingly important role in defining and enabling 

new missions and new business opportunities. 

Predicting and Controlling 

the Behavior of Complex 

Dynamic Systems 

12 

Space Structures Technologies (SST) 

Our SST program addresses the needs of future systems 

requiring deployment and operation of very large structures 

in space. The SST test bed contains a fully functional 

spacecraft bus hardware emulator and a 16- by 1.8-meter 

payload with 1-Hz first structural mode representative of a 

large space structure. We use the test bed to develop, 

validate and assess performance of critical technologies 

such as metrology systems, real-time system 

characterization, vibration mitigation and adaptive control. 

Multi-Petal Test Bed (MPT) 

With dynamics similar to those of future large-scale spacebased 

optical systems, the MPT is a half-scale version of an 

8-meter-diameter deployable telescope containing a 

segmented primary mirror. The MPT is equipped with flightlike 

hinges and latches for precision mirror deployment and 

over 500 accelerometers for dynamics characterization. It is 

supported by a six-degree-of-freedom hybrid gravity offload 

system with corner frequencies between 0.1 and 0.2 Hz. We 

used the MPT to validate novel algorithms capable of 

performing system identification with modal densities in 

excess of 40 modes per Hz.


Spacecraft Hardware Simulators 

Future space missions will rely on the support of 

numerous distributed platforms. To enhance understanding 

of the various issues these missions will encounter, ATC 

scientists have produced self-propelled robotic platforms that 

emulate in hardware the functionality of spacecraft. In 

laboratory tests, these platforms provide crucial first-look data in 

areas such as navigation, communications, collective planning, 

resource balancing and integrated behaviors. 

Spacecraft Sensor Pointing Systems 

Autonomous Star Trackers (AST) developed and built by 

the ATC define the state of the art in autonomous, highperformance 

space sensors. Our AST-201 and AST-301 

perform rapid and reliable attitude acquisition without 

a priori attitude information. They use robust algorithms, 

self-initialize after power-up and require minimum 

operator involvement. 

More than 10 units have been flown. Two redundant 

AST-301 star trackers serve as the primary attitude 

sensors for the pointing control system in the Spitzer 

Space Telescope. These trackers are fully autonomous, 

allowing acquisition anywhere in the sky in less than 

3 seconds with a 99.98 percent success probability. 

Their accuracy—a bias error of only 0.16 arcseconds per 

axis—exceeds system requirements by a factor of four. 

This level of performance enables the Spitzer telescope 

to be pointed directly at celestial objects in a shorter 

period of time, significantly improving science 

observation time during the life of the mission. 

Control and Automation 

The ATC’s Control and Automation 

Laboratory (CAL) has extensive facilities and 

demonstrated capabilities for development of 

autonomous systems—from component 

technologies such as sensors, actuators, 

manipulators, interfaces and algorithms to 

system-level demonstrations using multiple 

spacecraft hardware emulators. 

Our research focuses on real-time 

autonomous control of multiple vehicles for 

varying applications, including precision 

formation flying for distributed aperture 

imaging and automated in-space assembly. 

We develop algorithms and sensors for longrange 

and proximity operations, collision 

avoidance, rendezvous and docking, failure 

detection and remediation, and control 

reconfiguration that are critical for achieving 

high levels of autonomy in space. 

Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech 

Autonomous Star Tracker 

The AST is a reliable inertial attitude sensor with demonstrated 

sub-microradian accuracy in operational space systems. 

13


Pointing and Control 

The pointing and control 

assembly for a Space Based 

Infrared System (SBIRS) 

satellite is a high-performance, 

two-axis gimbaled system with 

stringent accuracy and agility 

requirements. Our momentumcompensated 

gimbal design 

reduced exported loads to the 

spacecraft by 97 percent. When 

combined with sophisticated 

control systems, this achieved 

the stringent agility, stability and 

accuracy requirements. 

Modeling, Analysis and Simulation 

ATC researchers develop high-fidelity dynamics models and 

design control logic to assess and predict on-orbit performance. 

ATC engineers developed Autolev and DYNACON for modeling 

multi-rigid body dynamics and flexible body dynamics, 

respectively. These proven tools provide exact representation 

of the dynamics of complex systems and utilize efficient 

algorithms to speed up simulations. 

Image Processing Electronics 

We develop high-speed adaptive optics and electronics to 

rapidly track and correct for wave front distortions and 

aberrations. Development focuses on the demonstration of 

electronics and algorithms to accomplish a 10-kHz corrective 

system. Our high-speed closed-loop wave front control consists 

of a 30-kHz high-speed camera, parallel image processing, 

100-kHz Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) deformable 

mirror driver electronics and associated interfaces. 

14 

Space Structures 

We develop and characterize highperformance 

structures in support of 

future space systems such as large 

radar antennas and optical systems, 

solar sails and in-space construction. 

Our structures range from ultralightweight 

booms of less than 

60 gram/meter linear density to highstiffness 

booms that provide a stable 

structure for antennas and 

optical systems. 

Testing of 8.5-m ultra-lightweight 

deployable boom: ATC engineers 

demonstrated real-time 

characterization of high-performance 

deployable booms using a sixdegree-of-freedom 

excitation system 

and extensive instrumentation. The 

test results were used to validate 

thermal and structural dynamics 

models. Our team developed an 

approach for in-space testing of 

large deployable structures including 

visualization and metrology for 

imaging during deployment and 

measurement of mode frequencies 

and mode shapes after deployment. 

Mechanisms 

Our deployment mechanism 

developed for the Collapsible 

Rollable Tube (CRT) boom 

technology allows multiple 

controlled deployment and 

retraction cycles, and provides full 

stiffness during deployment and 

state-of-the-art packing ratio. 

Position Error (µm) 

750 

375 

0 

150 

100 

Y axis (mm) 

Vision System Calibration Sample Data Set 

Position Error vs. True Position at 30 Meters 

50 

0 

0 

Metrology Systems 

The calibration of our metrology system for a 30-m deployable boom 

demonstrated accuracy of 0.3 mm over a deflection range of ±1-m, 

and 15-Hz data update rate. 

50 

100 

X axis (mm) 

150 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100


DFP Test Bed 

With a 2-meter-diameter structure representative of a large 

space optical system, the DFP test bed is a fully functional 

spacecraft hardware emulator. In addition to dynamic similarity, 

the test bed includes on board computers, sensors and 

actuators equivalent to those found in spacecraft. Full threeaxis 

stabilization allows development and demonstration of realtime 

flight control algorithms. 

RMS Image Motion (mas) 

10 2 

10 1 

10 0 

10 -1 

10 -2 

10 -3 

10 -4 

10 -5 

10-1 10-6 Expected On-Orbit Pointing Performance for Large 

Space Optical System – DFP and State of the Art 

10 

Wheel Speed (Hz) 

0 101 102 Simulations 

High-fidelity simulations of DFP predict over 100 times on-orbit 

performance improvement over state-of-the-art pointing and 

isolation systems. 

HexPak 

HexPak is a modular deployable space structure consisting of 

hexagonal bays that stack into a compact structure for launch, 

and deploy on orbit to a planar structure. This expansive deck 

area supports large aperture payloads and multiple payloads, 

enables heat rejection significantly beyond traditional space 

platforms, permits multiple manifests with minimal support mass, 

and offers easy access on orbit for expansion, maintenance and 

reconfiguration of the platform. Since each bay is fabricated and 

tested individually, and easily accessible from all sides, the time 

to manufacture a complete spacecraft is greatly reduced. 

Stowed Deployed 

Innovative Systems and Control Architectures 

The ATC’s Disturbance-Free Payload (DFP) test bed 

demonstrates a novel system architecture in which a 

payload and spacecraft bus are separate bodies that fly 

in close-proximity formation, allowing precision payload 

control and simultaneous isolation from spacecraft 

disturbances. The unique control architecture provides 

isolation down to zero frequency, and sensor 

characteristics do not limit isolation performance. We 

have demonstrated broadband isolation in excess of 68 

dB (a factor of greater than 2,500). 

In the test bed, the payload and spacecraft bus are 

coupled through a fully controlled non-contact interface 

containing sensors and actuators. The payload contains 

fine optical-pointing sensors; the spacecraft bus contains 

a star tracker, three-axis fiber-optic gyros, reaction 

wheels and thrusters. The test bed operates in closedloop 

control and is three-axis stabilized. Payload pointing 

stability is less than 1 microradian in the laboratory 

environment. 

Payload 

Relative 

Controller 

Payload 

Attitude 

Controller 

Payload Attitude Control 

Payload Relative Motion Control 

Non-Contact 

Actuators 

2 … N 

Non-Contact 

Actuators 

1 

Payloads 

2 … N 

Dynamics 

Relative 

Position 

Controller 

External 

Actuators 

Support 

Module 

Dynamics 

Support Module Relative Motion Control 

Control Architecture 

Our advanced control architecture for systems with multiple payloads 

allows precision independent control of various payloads and 

simultaneous isolation from spacecraft disturbances. 

Two-Meter-Diameter Test Bed 

A test bed with three bays was built to demonstrate physical 

interfaces of the bays, and mechanical assemblies for deployment 

and latching the structure. The test bed will also be used to measure 

stiffness of the deployed structure, demonstrate signal and power 

distribution, and provide a platform for implementing a networkcentric 

avionics and payload architecture. The modular structure 

coupled with a networked avionics system makes HexPak the first 

truly responsive space structure. 

−1 

−1 

Payload 1 

Dynamics 

Relative 

Position 

Sensors 

Absolute 

Attitude 

Sensors 

Relative 

Position 

Sensors 

15

Advanced Telecommunications 

For space systems—often operating at great 

distances from Earth—reliable communications 

systems are essential. Spacecraft operators 

depend on these systems to control the satellite 

and its payload and to beam back vital mission 

data. Mission success hinges on the efficient and 

successful transfer of this data. 

The ATC has a long history of designing and 

implementing advanced telecommunications 

products and systems to meet these demanding 

conditions. Our designers and engineers provide 

end-to-end communication design capabilities to 

customers who are developing systems ranging 

from sea- and ground-based applications to deep 

space exploration. We also support a broad cross 

section of Lockheed Martin lines of business 

including military satellite communications, 

commercial telecommunications, fleet ballistic 

missiles, commercial remote sensing and National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 

programs. 

ATC areas of research in the advanced 

telecommunications field include cognitive radio 

architecture and system development, advanced 

phased array antenna design, direct-to-optical radio 

frequency (RF) sensor development, optical and 

RF beamformers, RF-photonic channelizers and 

frequency translators, and tunable narrowband 

optical/RF filters. The combination of group 

expertise and facility is well-suited to provide 

unique design, fabrication and testing capabilities 

that are advantageous for rapidly evaluating 

research and development concepts and 

developing new products. 

Our expertise in telecommunications focuses on 

three key areas: 

• Communications architecture and system 

design 

• Antenna design and development 

• RF and photonic product design, development 

and production 

Enabling 

Remote Operations 

and Data Collection 

16 

Communications Design 

Communications science laboratories at the ATC 

offer a gamut of design services—from initial 

concepts for proposed systems to operation 

and maintenance of deployed systems. RF 

communications system engineers design, evaluate 

and implement tracking, telemetry and command 

subsystems; RF and laser satellite communication 

links; and bent-pipe and processing payloads for 

military, commercial and deep space 

communication applications. 

To develop communications systems and 

components for major programs such as Milstar, 

Iridium and the Mobile User Objective System 

(MUOS), we exploit RF, photonic, millimeter-wave 

and laser hardware spanning a full spectrum of 

data rates. Our engineers and technologists also 

develop diverse modulation schemes combined 

with robust error-correcting codes to provide 

reliable link performance. 

ATC communications modeling and simulation 

capabilities form the basis for predicting 

performance for a wide variety of communications 

designs. For example, we pioneered the turbo code 

model for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency 

(AEHF) system, using a parallel concatenated 

convolutional code to demonstrate the effects of 

gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) and 

scintillation on the system. In addition, in-house 

experts developed an acquisition and tracking 

model to meet key Milstar and Astrolink 

requirements. 

Iridium 

ATC role: System performance 

analysis, including ground coverage 

modeling and simulation


BER 

1e-01 

1e-02 

1e-03 

1e-04 

1e-05 

0 5 10 

Eb/No (db) 

Advanced EHF 

ATC role: System performance 

analysis including Turbo Code 

modeling and simulation 

IKONOS 

ATC role: Communications 

support, engineering and key 

subsystem elements 

Lunar Prospector 

ATC role: Development of antennas 

and other subsystem elements; 

communications support and integration 

Milstar 

ATC role: Extensive system 

engineering analysis and key 

subsystem elements 

Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) 

ATC role: Key communication system 

engineering and traffic modeling 

analysis and support 

17


Antenna Design 

The ATC has more than 40 years of experience in 

developing reflectors, phased arrays, horn 

antennas, planar and conical spirals, helixes, patch 

antennas, log periodic dipole antennas and RF 

lenses for antenna systems—our designs are as 

varied as the applications. 

Reflector antenna technologies include deployable 

mesh reflectors, extremely lightweight aluminum 

reflectors, and both solid and foldable graphite 

reflectors. We have built reflector feeds using spiral 

and horn antennas; wideband and narrowband horn 

antennas using corrugated, dual or quad ridge 

designs; and horns capable of operating at dual 

frequencies (20 and 44 GHz) from a single 

aperture. 

ATC engineers have developed a specialty in 

conical and planar spirals with multi-octave, multimode 

operation that simultaneously receive righthand 

and left-hand circular polarizations. We have 

built end-fire and side-fire helixes from UHF to 

X-band, and dielectric lenses for horn antennas to 

shape the beamwidth and to adjust the phase 

center. And we have used Rotman lenses for 

phased array beamforming applications. 

SMART 

This large S-band phased array antenna 

operates from 2.2 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Capable 

of seeing out 1100 nautical miles, the 

antenna generates sufficient beams to track 

eight independent targets. It has no moving 

parts and is electronically steered over a 

120-degree field of view. The highly 

integrated sub-array design, which uses 

multi-layer microwave boards, reduces cable 

and connector counts by 70 percent, 

resulting in a lighter weight, more compact 

and more reliable system. 

18 

2.5-Octave Horn Antenna 

Deployable Mesh Reflector 

We have designed, built and delivered phased array 

antennas (ranging from L-band to Ka-band), developed 

X-band communication phased arrays and high-power 

arrays. ATC antenna design engineers built the S-band 

Mobile Array Telemetry (SMART) antenna system for the 

U.S. Navy. This large-scale integrated-electronic 

scanning array antenna system receives telemetry data 

and autonomously tracks missiles during fleet ballistic 

missile testing. It includes low-noise amplifiers and 

beamforming networks integrated onto the array 

subpanel. The SMART antenna system architecture has 

led to simplifications in software development, 

beamforming networks and calibration. We have also 

done extensive research in true time delay, control of 

spectral regrowth and FPGA-based command and 

control of phased arrays. 

ATC antenna design engineers have also built X-band 

and Ku-band phased array antennas for airborne 

applications such as the DARKSTAR UAV, ground 

applications such as the Portable Array Terminal System 

(PATS) and space applications such as Iridium where we 

designed the main mission phased array. 

Absorber Loaded 8-Arm Spiral Helix 

EHF Luneberg Lens Antenna


RF and Photonics Development 

The Advanced RF/Photonics Group resides in a 35,000square-foot 

building in Sunnyvale, Calif., that includes a 

14,000-square-foot clean room dedicated to design, 

fabrication, assembly, testing and qualification of RF, 

optics, photonics and hybrid components and 

assemblies. The facility possesses state-of-the-art 

semiconductor and photonic integrated circuit fabrication 

equipment that enables process development and 

custom component fabrication in a variety of material 

platforms to support cutting-edge RF/photonic research 

and product development. 

In particular, the ATC’s Advanced RF/Photonics Group 

designs and builds communications assemblies for 

multiple frequencies. The group pioneered the 

development of advanced photonic devices for spacebased 

applications. 

RF engineers have designed and delivered specialized 

RF devices and assemblies (ranging from UHF to 

wideband), including low-noise amplifiers, solid-state 

power amplifiers, filters, transmit/receive modules, 

frequency-hopping receivers, frequency synthesizers, 

narrowband and wideband up- and down-frequency 

converters, transceivers and other RF assemblies. 

Recent developments include an 8- to 10-GHz 

synthesizer assembly with 1-Hz step size. 

The ATC also is responsible for the first space-qualified 

electro-optical receiver (EOR) that operated from DC to 

18 GHz. This EOR was designed, built, tested and 

delivered to the customer in less than 14 months. Based 

on this design, the ATC has developed similar photonic 

receivers to support other research and development 

programs. 

Recent development projects in our lab include RFphotonic 

channelizers, optical beamformers, RF-photonic 

frequency translators, direct-to-optical RF sensors, 

wideband modulators, tunable narrowband optical/RF 

filters. Overall the combination of group expertise and 

facility is well-suited to provide unique design, fabrication 

and testing capabilities that are advantageous for rapidly 

evaluating R&D concepts and developing new products. 

Electro-Optical Receiver 

RF-Photonic Frequency Translator Test Bed 

Optical Beamformer Test Bed 

IKONOS Wideband Upconverter 60-GHz High-Power Solid-State Amplifier 

19


Materials are fundamental to the success of any mission. 

Our technological progress through the millennia has been 

enabled by and reflected in our ability to modify and use 

materials to our own ends in such a profound way that 

historical epochs are named for the materials used within 

them. In 4000 years, we have advanced from the Bronze 

Age to an age of nanotechnology where we are developing 

and exploiting the ability to manipulate and tailor materials 

atom by atom. 

The ATC’s materials scientists and engineers were 

intimately involved in the materials advances that allowed 

us to send men to the Moon and satellites to space; we 

have worked on thermal protection systems for the space 

shuttle and have experts in the chemistry of rockets. Today 

our attention extends from the traditional aerospace focus 

on strong, lightweight materials that operate under severe 

conditions to a 21st century focus on using modifications at 

the nanoscopic level to create multi-functional materials or 

achieve materials with novel optical, electrical or thermal 

properties. 

We emphasize materials that make a difference in 

aerospace applications. Therefore, we specialize in active 

materials and devices; materials with tailorable interactions 

with electromagnetic radiation, materials and devices for 

spacecraft energy production and storage; energetic 

materials; and high-temperature materials. ATC scientists 

support hardware programs with advanced structural 

simulation and failure analysis, nondestructive inspection 

and chemical/gas sensing. We are actively engaged in 

leading-edge technology such as nano-materials and microelectro-mechanical 

systems. Our work in advanced 

materials technologies spans a variety of applications that 

range from developing polymers for RF and optical 

processing to monitoring the properties of solid rocket 

propellants. 

For more than 40 years, we have been finding answers to 

difficult problems and developing cutting-edge enabling 

technologies for customers requiring 

ever-increasing capabilities. A few current 

beneficiaries of our research and investigative 

capabilities include the U.S. Navy's Fleet 

Ballistic Missile Program (FBM), the Air Force’s 

Airborne Laser (ABL), NASA’s Near Infrared 

Camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space 

Telescope, and the Army’s Theater High 

Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). 

20 

Designing 

New Materials and 

Structures for 

Applications from 

Radio Frequency 

to Rockets 

Virtual modeling and investigative analyses are routinely 

performed by the Materials and Structures Department. 

Computer models are used to simulate complex events 

such as progressive failure in a composite panel or 

predict the performance of a spacecraft under orbit 

environments (above). Forensic analysis is performed on 

flight hardware using resident, state-of-the-art 

instruments such as a scanning electron microscope 

(below) and real-time x-ray radiography.


Advanced Propulsion Systems 

Advanced hot gas control system designs 

require metallic materials, such as 

rhenium, with high strength and gas 

compatibility above 2000ºC. The ATC 

developed and demonstrated a low-cost 

rhenium processing technology for hot 

gas missile control systems. Potential 

program applications are future Navy and 

Air Force strategic missile systems. 

Other possible applications include civil 

space and tactical missiles. 

Tile Repair 

The ATC developed the STA-54 On-orbit Tile Repair System, a crewoperated 

backpack system to repair damage to the space shuttle 

thermal protection tiles. Future applications include materials 

processing and structure fabrication in space (above left). 

Hardware Applications. Materials we have fabricated to improve space 

environment survivability include the arc-sprayed thermal control 

coating for the Genesis heat shield (above right). 

Ln ρ Density 

1 

2 

Improved Rhenium 

Using a solid-state diffusion process, the ATC 

successfully homogenized rhenium and increased its 

density and strength. The cost and process time were 

dramatically decreased compared to conventional 

powder metallurgy material. The ATC also has active 

work in nanodeposition of rhenium coatings. 

3 

Ln Sintering Time (min) 

Thermal Protection 

Spacecraft subsystems require thermal and optical 

properties to meet performance requirements and 

maintain long mission life. The ATC has developed 

and demonstrated thermal and optical coating 

capabilities for a wide range of flight hardware 

including XSS-11, Genesis, Mars98 and the 

International Space Station. Our Denver facilities 

support space and reentry environment test, 

simulation and flight qualification evaluation. Large 

in-situ vacuum chamber systems provide inchamber 

mechanical manipulation to test and verify 

components and systems prior to space 

deployment. Reentry environments can be 

simulated with a 500-kW arc lamp and surface 

shear system or an 80-kW plasma jet thermal 

source. 

Ceramic Nozzle Throat 

Conventional Rhenium 

ATC Rhenium 

The ATC received a 2004 Aviation Week 

Technology Innovation Award for a rocket motor 

nozzle throat made from ceramic material. Previous 

experimental ceramics had poor thermal shock 

resistance and low tensile strengths, preventing 

their use in rocket applications. Our materials 

scientists solved these problems using unique 

ceramic compositions and fabrication methods. 

This new near-zero erosion, net-molded ceramic 

nozzle promises to improve solid rocket motor 

performance and affordability. The ceramic nozzle 

significantly outperformed the industry standard 4D 

carbon-carbon material. The net-molding 

fabrication technique is expected to reduce 

fabrication costs by 50 percent. Potential program 

applications are future Navy and Air Force strategic 

missile systems. 

21


30-Meter Path-Length Fourier Transform Infrared 

(FTIR) Spectroscopy 

The materials sampled have been analyzed by virtually 

every standard analytical technique including the FTIR 

spectroscopy shown above. 

Active Materials 

To enable the next generation of agile and adaptive optical systems, 

we are working on the fundamental active materials technology that 

drives wavefront correction systems. Our effort includes developing 

and testing next-generation high-speed deformable mirror systems, 

MEMS micromirror arrays and spatial light modulators as well as the 

high-speed wavefront sensors and algorithms needed for high-speed 

adaptive optics. 

The ATC has developed and patented a suite of compositions for 

electrostrictive ceramic materials for actuation. These materials have 

the highest strain and lowest hysteresis in this family of materials. 

They have been used to build sonar transducers (for the US Navy) as 

well as high-speed continuous face sheet deformable mirrors. 

Next-Generation Adaptive Optics 

Coherent imaging and targeting systems, 

directed energy and laser communication 

systems require adaptive optics for correcting 

wavefront aberrations induced by propagation 

through atmospheric turbulence. 

The ATC has developed compact, low-power, 

high-speed adaptive optics test beds that use 

MEMS deformable mirrors/spatial light 

modulators. These test beds include both 

hardware and custom drive electronics to 

evaluate mirrors, novel wavefront sensors and 

control algorithms for adaptive optics 

systems. We use the test beds to develop free 

space laser communications, directed energy 

systems and multiple target track/designate 

systems. 

22 

Chemical Sensing and Energetic Materials Analysis 

The ATC’s Materials and Structures Department has amassed 

extensive expertise in sampling and analysis of trace volatile 

and semi-volatile organic material, inorganic gases and solid 

residual materials associated with combustion processes 

primarily in rockets. We have leveraged these capabilities in 

the detection of general inorganic and organic material with a 

strong emphasis on energetic materials. Sampling of target 

materials is also performed using solid-phase micro-extraction 

technology, standard absorbent materials, impinger systems 

and cryo-coolers. Virtually every standard analytical chemistry 

technique and many exotic techniques have been employed 

for these analyses. The emphasis on energetic materials 

stems from Lockheed Martin’s interest in maintaining critical 

launch vehicle systems, characterizing weapons of war and 

developing detection systems for homeland security 

applications. 

Test Bed 

MEMS-based adaptive 

optics test bed uses the 

MEMS device above. 

Active Deformable Mirror 

With 76 actuators and a 10- kHz frame rate, 

this is the fastest mirror of this type in existence. 

MEMS Device 

Test beds use a 1024pixel 

MEMS deformable 

mirror from Boston 

Micromachines 

Corporation (BMC).


Aerospace Applications of Nanotechnology 

The Materials and Structures Department is actively 

conducting research and development in the field of 

nanotechnology in conjunction with university, national 

lab and small-business partners. We seek to develop, 

understand and utilize nano-enabled materials for 

energy generation and storage and nanoenergetic 

materials for controlled propulsion. We have active 

projects in the area of carbon nanotube-based 

materials for thermal control and sensing applications. 

We implement nano-enabled processes for deposition 

of protective coatings on complex interior shapes. 

First and foremost, our nanotechnology projects carry 

a strong technology maturation emphasis, spanning 

the stages of fundamental development through 

device demonstrations—all aimed toward ultimate use 

in the products and missions that define our company. 

Within the field of nanotechnology, ATC Materials and 

Structures has several focus areas that are relevant to 

aerospace applications. 

Device physics: Devices utilizing quantum effects are 

increasingly available. While these commercial 

products have been tested for durability in terrestrial 

environments, Lockheed Martin frequently wishes to 

utilize them in exotic locales, for instance, Mars. We 

seek to understand the impact of shrinking feature 

sizes and the use of more complex materials systems 

in electronic devices and to develop the modeling and 

simulation tools to predict performance over lifetime in 

our use environment. 

Tailorable materials: The synthetic flexibility of 

organic and inorganic materials, especially those 

formed into nanocomposites, permits development of 

new materials with tailorable optical, thermal and 

electronic properties. Using this approach, we are 

actively developing new molecules and materials for 

diverse applications ranging from nonlinear optical 

materials to solar cells. 

Energy applications: Multiple platforms, be they 

individual soldiers or interplanetary probes, are 

frequently “off the grid” and must carry their own 

power generation and/or storage capability. We 

investigate innovative means of converting and storing 

energy, including nanomaterials such as 

thermophotovoltaics, thin film photovoltaics and 

nanophotonic devices. We incorporate these materials 

and others into energy devices, including 

thermoelectric devices, fuel cells and solar panels, 

and utilize our customized test facilities to evaluate 

their performance. 

Molecular Model 

Molecular modeling techniques 

are employed to help us design 

polymer-surface systems where 

these molecular interactions are 

critical to the composite 

system’s function. 

Nanorhenium 

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) 

image of rhenium nanoparticles used to 

economically produce protective 

coatings for parts with 2000ºC 

operating temperatures. 

0.5 mm 

1.5 mm 

3D Photonic Crystal 

Tungsten photonic crystals 

are produced by Sandia 

for Lockheed Martin for 

use in our energy 

applications. 

Carbon Nanotube Grass 

Scanning electron 

microscope image shows 

25-mm-tall carbon 

nanotubes grown at the 

ATC. Inset is a single 

nanotube at 300,000 times 

magnification. 

Flexible Antenna 

The ATC has a clean fabrication 

facility capable of incorporating 

nanomaterials into photolithographically 

defined devices. Shown is 

a polymer-based flexible RF sensor. 

Falcon Reentry 

Vehicle Power 

System Concept 

Thermoelectric 

converters generate 

power in reentry body 

heat shield. 

23


Temperature variations profoundly affect the 

operation of advanced aerospace systems— 

from precision optics to rocket motors. Even 

small changes in temperature can impact the 

way a system operates, and Lockheed Martin 

customers often are faced with managing 

operations in extreme thermal environments. 

Thermal scientists and engineers pursue a 

variety of research and development endeavors 

aimed at understanding the dynamic influence 

temperature has on cutting-edge technology, 

and develop new systems that can perform 

successfully within the demands and constraints 

presented by severe operational environments. 

Areas of emphasis include: 

• Precision thermal measurement and analysis 

• Thermal design and analysis 

• Thermal and structural modeling 

• Computational fluid dynamics 

• Multi-phase flow and heat transfer 

• LADAR thermal engineering 

• Space environmental simulation and testing 

Our expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer 

and fluid mechanics is also applied to the design, 

modeling and fabrication of premier cryogenic 

space-based cooling systems. These systems 

include open-cycle cooling using stored 

cryogens, mechanical pulse tube cryocoolers 

and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators. 

The ATC is instrumental in developing powerful 

technical discriminators for Lockheed Martin 

lines of business and in leveraging technological 

innovation to create possibilities for our 

customers and new opportunities for the 

company. 

Managing the Effects 

of Temperature in 

Extreme Operating 

Environments 

24 

Precision Multidisciplinary 

Modeling and Analysis 

Development of advanced optical systems involves a 

complex multidisciplinary process to ensure that the 

system will operate as intended. Following an initial 

optical design, ATC thermal and structural engineers 

analyze thermal response and deformations induced in 

the optics by temperature gradients. An optical designer 

then uses these deformations to characterize the impact 

of the displacements on the wavefront quality of the 

optical system. Our precision modeling capabilities can 

accurately predict milli-Kelvin level temperature results 

and unprecedented picometer level thermally induced 

deformations in world-class space-based optical 

assemblies. 

Modeled Hardware Analysis Model 

Cryogenic Cooling Systems 

The ATC has been 

providing cryogenic cooling 

systems for space 

applications for more than 

35 years. The cooling 

systems utilize stored 

cryogens such as 

superfluid helium and solid 

hydrogen, neon, carbon 

dioxide, methane, 

ammonia, nitrogen and 

argon to achieve a wide 

range of temperatures 

down to 1.8K. 

Experimental 

Hardware 

Correlated 

Milli-Kelvin Temperature 

Predictions 

Correlated Picometer 

Deformation Predictions 

The Gravity 

Probe B Dewar


Computational Fluid Dynamics 

High-speed and large-memory computers 

enable computational fluid dynamics (CFD) 

to solve many thermal flow problems, including 

those that are compressible or incompressible, laminar 

or turbulent, and chemically reacting or non-reacting. 

Rocket Motor Design 

ATC engineers developed a CFD model to characterize temperature, 

pressure, flow field, heat transfer, particulate transport, water droplet evaporation 

and other related phenomena in a solid rocket motor firing chamber. This simulation model, 

in conjunction with scale-model tests, provides the basis for the design of a full-scale firing chamber. 

LADAR Thermal Engineering 

The advent of laser sources on space-borne optical 

systems has made thermal management an even greater 

concern due to potentially greater temperature gradients. 

In the case of laser diodes, temperature can also affect 

the desired frequency of the transmitter, requiring tighter 

temperature control. What is desired is a thermal 

management system that is transparent to the mission— 

one that weighs nothing, takes up no space, is rigid, uses 

no power, has no disturbances and is robust. Thermal 

management is a system-level enabler to the success of 

the payload. 

LADAR thermal management is focused toward these 

goals. Combining Lockheed Martin’s high-capacity 

variable conductance spiral groove heat pipes with laser 

diodes and waveguides is a step in this direction. 

Integrating the variable conductance heat pipes into the 

thermal management system yields a system with 

minimal space, mass, and power requirements. 

Problem Solving 

Researchers applied CFD to help 

solve a cooling problem on a 

modified electronic warfare training 

aircraft in which the specialized 

electronic equipment generated 

too much heat for the 

environmental control system. 

Thermal engineers created a CFD 

model used to design a heat 

exchange system to channel air 

from the cold aircraft skin to cool 

the aft cabin that housed the 

electronics. Model predictions were 

then tested and verified in 

laboratory experiments. 

25


The Gravity Probe B Dewar 

This is the largest superfluid helium Dewar in space, 

cooling the science instrument to 1.8K for 16 months. 

26 

Program 

Wide-field IR 

Survey Explorer 

(WISE) 

Gravity Probe B 

Wide-field IR 

Survey Explorer 

(WIRE) 

Special Infrared 

Imaging Tel. 

(SPIRIT-III) 

Cryogenic Limb 

Array Etalon 

Spectrometer 

(CLAES) 

Extended Life 

Cooler 

Long Life Cooler 

Cryogenic Cooling Systems 

• Confirming Einstein’s general theory of relativity 

• Searching for planets in distant galaxies 

• Studying ozone depletion in Earth’s atmosphere 

• Looking at “first light” from the birth of the universe 

All of these disparate scientific objectives share a 

common requirement: They need space-based sensing 

systems that operate at extremely low temperatures. 

Missions like these present unique challenges. Cooling 

an infrared sensor on a distant spacecraft to less than 

5 Kelvin, for several years of continuous operation, is no 

small task, yet the ATC has been providing such 

cryogenic cooling systems for space applications for 

more than 35 years. 

Our thermal scientists, engineers and technologists 

utilize their expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer 

and fluid mechanics to model and predict the 

performance of advanced cooling systems. They also 

have the design and manufacturing expertise to 

transform analytic models into qualified hardware for 

space. The ATC has built and tested more than 20 opencycle 

cooling systems for space using stored cryogens 

such as superfluid helium and solid hydrogen, neon, 

carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, nitrogen and argon. 

Open Cycle Cooling 

Recent open cycle cooling systems developed at the ATC 

Units 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

3 

7 

Life 

7 mo 

16 mo 

4 mo 

10 mo Solid hydrogen 

Solid neon / 

20 mo 

solid CO2 5 yr 

3 yr 

Cooling Method 

Two-stage 

solid hydrogen 

Superfluid 

helium 

Two-stage 

solid hydrogen 

Solid methane / 

Solid ammonia 

Solid methane / 

Solid ammonia 

Optimum 

Temp. 

7.2/9.8 K 

1.8 K 

6.6/12 K 

Status 

Launch in 2008 

Launched 4/04. Achieved 

all temperature/lifetime 

objectives 

Launched in March 1999 


9.5 K all temperature / lifetime 

objectives 


15.5/128 K all temperature / lifetime 

objectives 

Achieved all temperature / 

64/146 K 

lifetime objectives 

Achieved all temperature / 

64/146 K 

lifetime objectives


Cooling Power (mW) 

200 

150 

100 

50 

Input Power 

240 W 

180 W 

100 W 

60 W 

0 

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 

Cold Tip Temperature (K) 

Four- Stage Cryocooler 

This pulse tube cooler is being developed for Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory space applications and has 

achieved 3.8K cooling, which is required for advanced 

astronomical missions. 

First Stage Cooling (W) 

Compact, Flexible, Reliable Mechanical Systems 

The ATC also produces mechanical pulse tube 

cryocooler systems. These cryocoolers are lightweight, 

power efficient and highly reliable, with lifetimes of 10 

years or more. 

Multi-stage cryocoolers, which produce temperatures as 

low as 4 Kelvin, can provide operating environments at 

different temperatures for simultaneous cooling of 

detectors and optics. They have produced extremely low 

temperatures in a compact space-based system and 

represent a major breakthrough in cryogenic cooling 

technology. 

Heat Rejection Temp = 300K 

First Stage Temp = 140K, 

Second Stage Temp = 55K (W) 

10 

2.00 

9 

1.75 

8 

1.50 Cooling 

7 

1.25 

6 

1.00 

Stage 

5 

0.75 

4 

0.50 

50 70 90 110 130 150 

Compressor Power (W) Second 

Cryocooler 

Performance Testing 

An ATC scientist 

prepares a cryocooler for 

test. The results show 

excellent cooling 

performance. 

Two-stage Cryocooler 

This pulse tube 

cryocooler provides 

cooling at two 

temperatures, 55K and 

140K, resulting in more 

efficient sensor cooling. 

27

Modeling, Simulation and Information Science 

In a world of rapidly evolving events, complex interactions 

and ever-increasing volumes of information, the ability to 

efficiently collect, manage and manipulate large volumes of 

digital data from multiple sources and turn it into actionable 

intelligence is paramount. At the ATC, cutting-edge skills in 

end-to-end system modeling, simulation, data fusion, 

machine-machine coordination and human-machine 

interaction translate into improved performance for our 

customers’ space systems. 

The ATC’s expertise in information science offers the 

company a critical edge that applies across a broad range 

of customer missions. The ATC is developing advanced 

technical discriminators in software algorithms, 

architectures and modeling tools to enhance Lockheed 

Martin’s competitive posture in key markets. 

• Advanced software development and integration for 

effective coordination and validation of systems and 

services in a net-centric world 

• Composable simulations and plug-and-play software 

architectures for more agile, responsive space systems 

• Network services analysis and development for 

complex network topologies and architectures for 

communications and navigation 

• System-of-system analysis and tradespace optimization 

for engineering analysis of complex systems 

• Multi-mission tasking algorithms and advanced 

image processing for remote sensing 

• Data fusion for target tracking and discrimination in 

missile defense including end-to-end engagement 

• Autonomy technology including planning, world 

modeling, adjustable autonomy and fleet management 

for space missions such as proximity operations 

• Human-system interaction for managing complex 

cooperative systems including human-robotic teams 

for warfighting and space exploration 

The ATC develops and fields systems and software 

applications that respond intelligently and robustly to the 

data deluge. These systems are self-aware, embedded in 

complex topologies and capable of dealing with 

heterogeneous sensors and disparate resources. Our 

information scientists are pioneering methods of 

combining, configuring, synthesizing and presenting 

information for space systems. These efforts pay 

dividends in improved technical capability, reduced 

development risk and better prediction of system 

performance. 

Managing the Deluge… 

Transforming Data into Action 

28 

Sensor Signal and Image 

Understanding 

Optical imaging systems are limited in 

resolution, not only by the passband of the 

imaging optics, but also by the detectors on 

the image formation plane. When the detector 

size is larger than the optical spot size, high 

and low spatial frequencies may merge, 

forming image degradation known as 

“aliasing.” Algorithms can mitigate aliasing 

artifacts by combining multiple aliased views 

of the same scene so that the formerly 

merged high spatial frequency features are 

separated out and restored to their correct 

locations. The effect is to reconstruct a sharp, 

de-aliased, high-resolution image from 

multiple blurred views. 

Super Resolution 

Under sampling during detection can blur a video 

image (top). Super-resolution algorithms can restore 

the original image quality. The de-aliased image 

(below) is derived from a set of 10 blurred images.


Digital Communications and Networking 

Because increasingly complex global networks may 

include multiple ground- and space-based assets, 

there is a need to assess and analyze the optimal 

configuration for these networks to ensure 

operational efficiency and cost-effective 

development and deployment. 

To address this need, the ATC has developed 

network simulation and emulation test beds. These 

test beds allow engineers and technologists to 

synthesize, visualize, analyze and emulate space 

and ground networks. They include terrestrial and 

orbital propagators coupled to network topology 

generation and 3D visualization components. A 

suite of algorithms (encompassing parameters 

such as time schedules, antenna/aperture numbers 

and affinities, line-of-sight, range constraints, 

antenna pointing constraints, priorities and geo 

coordinates) is combined to synthesize optimal 

network topologies for given nodal capabilities and 

locations. 

Global Network Emulation Test Bed (GNET) 

GNET can analyze network topologies for specific attributes (such 

as latency) or to emulate actual, real-time, IP networks conforming 

to the topologies. For that purpose, it utilizes a computing cluster in 

which each network node and its associated links are emulated by 

one CPU. Scriptable traffic generation and performance monitoring 

are provided at each node. The emulation capability also can 

interface directly to hardware-in-the-loop or external network 

components and applications through standard Ethernet and serial 

interfaces and over virtual private networks. 

Data Fusion and Target Engagement 

Missile defense presents complex engineering 

challenges that must be addressed across a wide 

variety of threat engagement scenarios. Among 

many critical requirements, successful 

engagements depend on defensive systems 

maintaining continuous and accurate tracks through 

all phases of the threat trajectory. 

For missile defense, the tracking problem is 

particularly challenging due to the high density of 

targets and differing sensor views. The challenge is 

to put each sensor’s measurements together into a 

set of tracks that are continuous and pure, and that 

further lead to resolved tracks on individual targets 

as quickly as possible. To help address this 

challenge, the ATC has developed a tracking 

algorithm that combines multiple hypotheses with 

multiple frame resolutions. Using this algorithm has 

effectively reduced the time required to resolve 

object tracks by over 125 seconds—an extremely 

significant period in the missile engagement 

timeline. 

Relative CEI (m) 

1000 

0 

-1000 

All Targets Resolved by Advanced Tracker 

(requires resolution by 1 sensor) 

(requires resolution by 2 sensor) 

Projected Sensor 

Resolution Cell 

675 s 

>800 s 

300 450 600 750 

Time (s) 

Advanced Tracker 

This tracker correlates measurements directly with the fused 

track file and only requires resolution by a single sensor to 

create resolved tracks. The standard approaches correlate 

measurements first with sensor track files and then correlate the 

sensor track files to create the fused track file. These track-totrack 

approaches require object resolution by both sensors 

before the correlations can be reliable, and dual sensor 

resolution may require much more time than single sensor 

resolution. 

29


Autonomous and Distributed Systems 

Environmental monitoring, homeland defense, robotic 

space exploration, missile defense and other critical 

new applications often require systems with remote 

autonomous operation. The ATC develops many 

technologies that enable the operation of autonomous 

and adaptive embedded networked systems. 

Autonomous systems enable operation in complex 

environments when human presence is not 

acceptable due to safety, time, cost, distance, 

environment, volume, weight, etc. For many space 

missions, autonomy is the most viable solution; for 

missions with remote control, autonomy still plays a 

major role due to distance, time or bandwidth 

limitations; and even manned systems have 

autonomous capabilities that support mission success 

due to the complexities of the requirements. 

Working with members of the ATC Precision Pointing 

and Controls department and our Autonomous 

Robotics group in Denver, we are developing 

autonomy technology for system validation, networked 

collaboration, planning and fusion in support of 

Lockheed Martin’s need for autonomous capabilities in 

spacecraft. 

We are developing new distributed autonomous 

control strategies for cooperative missile defense 

engagement, where the decision time cycles are too 

short for human oversight and the probability of 

intercept is optimum. 

Autonomous Coordinated Teams 

Teams are based on different dynamic optimum control 

strategies for each phase of the engagement. 

Autonomous Coordinated 

Teams 

Boost Phase Intercept 

30 

Coordinated Aimpoint Kill 

Optimized Formation Control 

Human Systems Interaction 

Lockheed Martin fields complex systems. For 

systems analysis and operational usage, human 

system interaction is a critical link in getting our 

solution correct. Users must have visibility into their 

space systems as they are being built and when 

deployed. For these users, mission-specific 

visualization helps turn disparate data sets into 

coordinated, actionable information. The ATC’s 

mission visualization systems synthesize vast 

amounts of data from far-reaching sources, 

creating interactive environments that enable 

operators to improve real-time analysis and 

situational awareness. 

Advanced Concepts in Global Situational Awareness 

New visualization concepts impact the design and success of 

integrated sensors in the sensor-shooter feedback loop. 

The ATC is researching and prototyping game-changing 

concepts that link end users and sensor systems to improve the 

perception, comprehension and prediction necessary for global 

situational awareness. 

Enhanced situational awareness is achieved by 

combining both modeled and sensed data with 

visual representations to improve perception, 

comprehension and prediction of battle space 

events. The ATC’s Multi-Intelligence Exploitation 

and Tangible Mission Visualization prototypes 

integrate next-generation human-system interaction 

concepts with advanced visualization, multi-modal 

interface and automation technologies. These 

prototypes address the future needs of the 

command, control, communications, computers, 

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 

(C4ISR) user community. They also promote 

enhanced situational awareness by providing 

coordinated visualizations of multiple information 

types, including geo-spatial, sensor coverage, 

mission planning and archived imagery information.


Mission Architectures and Analysis 

We perform system-of-system mission analysis to aid the 

enterprise in developing new mission-derived technologies 

Improving business and engineering processes can 

dramatically affect the cost, quality and development time of 

complex technological systems. Collaborative engineering 

systems developed at the ATC integrate data and models 

from a variety of sources—including design, engineering, 

manufacturing and logistics—into systems that enable 

program teams to optimize their decision-making process. 

We are pioneering ways to perform large-scale system 

trades using common engineering tools for a wide range of 

customer problems. These solutions can then be applied to 

program management decision-making processes. 

Program Value (PV) 

0.14 

0.12 

0.10 

0.08 

0.06 

0.04 

0.02 

0 

300 

400 500 

Option Cost ($M/yr) 

Advanced Modeling Tools 

Original Data 

Pareto Front 

We build modeling and simulation frameworks that are used 

end to end from sensing to decision-making to process 

refinement and what-if analysis. 

Our expertise in architecting software for space 

applications, from business development concepts through 

flight software and across the range of sensors and 

processors, enables us to field advanced software and 

modeling tools for use across the enterprise. We are 

fielding advanced software technology for generating 

models from specifications, establishing workflow 

approaches for service-oriented architectures and 

deploying reusable simulation frameworks for missile 

defense studies 

One example is our commercially licensed software for 

connecting the Phoenix ModelCenter Optimization software 

with STK. Phoenix Integration licenses the technology that 

links STK and ModelCenter from Lockheed Martin. 

Lockheed Martin’s ATC developed the connection with a 

Java “wrapper.” This wrapper queries Satellite Tool Kit 

(STK) using the STK/Connect interface for design and 

output variables, then maps the parameters into 

ModelCenter. Trade study tools in ModelCenter enable the 

system designer to perform parametric studies, design of 

experiments, carpet plot analysis and optimization studies. 

600 

Optimized Decision-Making 

Optimization is a search through thousands of options 

across many performance variables. At left is a plot showing 

significant cost savings with optimized options in blue versus 

manually selected options in red. Above is a 3D 

spreadsheet with subset of the system options plotted on 

more than twelve performance dimensions. 

Tool integration and multidisciplinary 

optimization enable rapid formation and 

exploration of tradespaces to perform integrated 

engineering analysis and gain greater insight 

into better design options. 

31

Space Sciences and Instrumentation 


The Sun and the heliosphere that surrounds it present 

an ever-changing space environment to the Earth and 

other planets in the solar system. Understanding the 

Sun’s variability and its effects on planetary space 

environments contributes to our body of scientific 

knowledge and has important practical implications for 

day-to-day life on Earth. The ATC continues to be 

deeply involved in investigations to understand how 

the Sun works and how it affects space weather for 

the Earth and other planets. 

Scientists, engineers and technologists at the ATC 

have conducted research in solar physics, space 

physics, astrophysics and earth science for more than 

40 years. This research includes the full spectrum of 

space science activity: modeling phenomena, 

analyzing data acquired in space, defining future 

research requirements, designing and building spaceand 

ground-based instruments and publishing results 

derived from these instruments. Our investigations 

focus on understanding how and why the Sun’s output 

changes, how these changes connect to Earth’s 

environment and climate, and what effects these 

changes might have on our ability to explore the solar 

system. Much of this work is done in collaboration with 

several universities, the U.S. government and other 

research institutions. We share the results with 

scientists around the world. 

The ATC’s space sciences effort constitutes an 

internal line of business that leverages cutting-edge 

research in disciplines such as phenomenology, optics 

and sensor design, cryogenics, and pointing and 

controls. This line of business builds world-class 

space science instruments for NASA, the European 

Space Agency, the Japanese Institute of Space and 

Astronautical Science (ISAS) and the Japanese 

Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). 

Examining Our Place 

in Space, from the 

Sun’s Interior, to the 

Earth’s Magnetosphere, 

to the Edge of the 

Heliosphere…and Beyond 

32 

Our Sun 

The Yohkoh Solar X-ray Telescope sees the Sun 

in X-ray wavelengths.


Studying the Sun and Solar System as an Integrated Environment 

When studying the complexities of the sun-solar system environment, it is important to look at its operation as an 

integrated system. A key aspect of our work in space science is our unique ability to combine scientific expertise 

and instrument design capability with Lockheed Martin’s extensive systems engineering knowledge. 

ATC research teams collect data on solar and space physics phenomena using a wide variety of tools to examine 

everything from functions in the solar interior to the dynamics at work in the farthest reaches of the solar system. 

As all of this data accumulates, it can be fused to build a more comprehensive understanding of the complex 

physical interactions that drive the Sun and govern its system of planets. 

Our expertise has benefited numerous scientific missions. The ATC built the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI), 

flying on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint mission of NASA and the European Space 

Agency (ESA). We also built the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) instrument, the Toroidal 

Imaging Mass-Angle Spectrograph (TIMAS) and the Far Ultraviolet Imaging System (FUV) for NASA’s IMAGE 

spacecraft. In addition, we are participating in NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) and Terrestrial Planet 

Finder missions. 

Courtesy of Stanford University 

Solar Rotation 

MDI measurements enabled scientists to 

deduce varying speeds of rotation inside 

the Sun. Colors represent the difference 

in speed: red-yellow is faster than 

average and blue is slower than average. 

Sunspots, caused by disturbances in the 

solar magnetic field, tend to form at the 

edge of these bands. 

The Edge of the Solar System 

NASA’s IBEX mission will determine the 

global nature of the heliopause, where the 

solar wind interacts with the interstellar 

medium. These images show predictions 

for strong (top) and weak (bottom) terminal 

shock interactions. Variations in these 

global images will illuminate flow patterns 

beyond the terminal shock and provide new 

insight into our heliosphere. 

Solar Mosaic 

This full-disk view of the Sun was created 

from multiple views captured by the 

TRACE instrument. TRACE views the 

Sun in ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet 

wavelengths, providing detailed images of 

the magnetic activity taking place in the 

transition region just above the solar 

surface. 

Aurora 

Captured by the FUV aboard NASA’s IMAGE 

spacecraft, this image shows Earth’s 

northern aurora during a major geomagnetic 

storm. The storm was triggered by a fastmoving 

coronal mass ejection that entered 

Earth’s magnetosphere at a speed of three 

million miles per hour. Such storms can 

disrupt terrestrial communications systems 

and damage space-based systems. 

Solar Storm 

Severe magnetic disturbances on the Sun 

can result in solar flares and ejection of tons 

of solar matter into space. This LASCO 

image shows a large coronal mass ejection. 

The ejected material became part of the solar 

wind that flows out from the Sun at very high 

speeds and interacts with other bodies in the 

solar system, including Earth. 

Magnetosphere 

Scientists derived this image of energetic 

particle flux measured in Earth’s 

magnetosphere from data gathered by 

TIMAS. The spectrograph contributes to 

our understanding of the effect of the solar 

wind. 

33


As an integral part of space sciences research, the ATC builds premier instruments for astrophysics, solar physics, 

space physics, Earth observation and planetary science. Exploiting our core technical capabilities, we build 

cutting-edge instruments that expand our understanding of the inner workings of the Sun, the effects of space 

weather on the interplanetary environment, the chemistry and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, and the 

mechanisms at work on other stars. Over the past 40 years, we have flown 164 space instruments, which have 

accumulated more than 700 years of combined operation in space. 

TRACE 

NASA’s Transition Region and 

Coronal Explorer images the Sun 

from the 10,000 K surface 

(photosphere) through the 

gradually increasing temperature 

of the lower atmosphere (transition 

region) to the base of its multimillion 

K upper atmosphere 

(corona). 

Space Science Instruments 

Developed at the ATC 

STEREO/SECCHI 

The Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric 

Investigation (SECCHI) consists of identical instruments on 

each of two spacecraft observing the Sun. SECCHI is part of 

the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission. 

CLAES 

The Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer 

instrument aboard the NASA Upper Atmosphere 

Research Satellite measures concentrations of elements 

in Earth's atmosphere including carbon dioxide, ozone 

and complex fluorocarbons (CFCs). 

34 

SXI 

The Solar X-Ray Imager aboard the 

Geostationary Operational Environmental 

Satellite (GOES) will image the solar corona in 

X-rays and continuously monitor events such as 

solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The 

GOES Program is a joint effort of NASA and the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA). 

MDI 

The Michelson Doppler Imager aboard the 

Solar and Heliospheric Observatory measures 

intensities, velocities and magnetic field 

strengths of material in the solar 

photosphere. SOHO is a 

cooperative effort 

between 

NASA and the 

European 

Space Agency 

(ESA). 

IMAGE 

The instrument packages 

aboard the NASA Imager for 

Magnetopause-to-Aurora 

Global Exploration—the Far 

Ultraviolet Imaging System 

and the Low Energy 

Neutral Atom (LENA) 

imager—determine the 

response of Earth’s 

magnetosphere to variations 

in the solar wind.


NIRCam 

The Near Infrared Camera 

for the James Webb 

Space Telescope will 

detect and identify the 

“first light” objects in the 

Universe. 

Tunable Filter 

The Solar Optical Universal Polarimeter (SOUP) 

Tunable Filter first flew on the Spacelab 2 shuttle 

mission in 1985 and has been used for ground-based 

observations ever since. 

FPP 

The Focal Plane Package 

for the Solar Optical 

Telescope of the Hinode 

mission images the solar 

surface (or photosphere) 

and overlying chromosphere 

with 0.1-arcsecond spatial 

resolution. 

ROSINA 

Following the orbit of Comet 

67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko 

in 2014, the Rosetta Orbiter 

Spectrometer for Ion and 

Neutral Analysis aboard ESA’s 

Rosetta spacecraft will provide 

information about the origin of 

our solar system. 

LIS 

The Lightning Imaging Sensor is 

used to detect the distribution of 

lightning. LIS has operated 

continuously since its launch 

aboard the Tropical Rainfall 

Measuring Mission (TRMM) 

Observatory in 1997. 

700+ Years of Combined Operation in 

Space Represented by 164 Successful Space 

Instruments across Four Decades 

POLAR/PIXIE 

The Polar Ionospheric X-ray 

Imaging Experiment aboard 

NASA’s Polar spacecraft images 

Earth’s northern and southern 

auroral regions in X-rays. 

SXT 

From 1991 to 2002, the 

Soft X-ray Telescope took 

high-resolution images of 

the 6-million-degree solar 

corona in X-rays. SXT is 

part of the Yohkoh 

mission, a joint project of 

NASA and the Japanese 

Institute of Space and 

Astronautial Sciences 

(ISAS). 

35

Space Sciences and Instrumentation / Solar and Astrophysics 

Events taking place on the Sun profoundly affect the Earth, influencing everything from changes in our climate to 

the operation of our technology, including communication systems, satellite operations and human spaceflight. 

Solar activity provides an unparalleled look at fundamental forces at work throughout the universe. Lockheed 

Martin applies the ATC’s expertise in this area to address our customers’ practical problems resulting from our 

increasing dependence on space-based systems. 

For more than 30 years, solar physicists at the ATC have been responsible for defining, designing, building and 

flying solar-observing instruments. Working with scientists, universities and government agencies on a global 

scale, we have made major contributions to understanding the dynamic interactions taking place on the everchanging 

Sun. 

36 

Predicting the 

Behavior of an 

Active Sun


Heating in the Solar Corona 

This series of images traces the 

heating effects of the Sun’s 

magnetic field by making 

observations at different 

wavelengths, each showing 

emissions at different temperatures. 

The dark and light areas of an active 

magnetic field (top left) correspond 

to different polarities. Dark patches 

on the Sun’s surface, shown in 

visible wavelengths at about 

10,000ºF (top right) are sunspots, 

which appear dark because they are 

cooler, approximately 6,000ºF. Note: 

The sunspots are clearly aligned 

with the active magnetic regions. 

Two EUV images (center) and an Xray 

image (bottom) show the 

dramatic heating at increasingly 

higher levels of the solar atmosphere 

directly above the active magnetic 

regions. Emissions are at 50,000ºF, 

4,000,000ºF and 10,000,000ºF, 

respectively. The image in the 

bottom left shows an overlay of 

three atmospheric layers from 

2,000,000 to 6,000,000°F. 

Observations across the Spectrum 

The Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory builds 

unique instruments to reveal, measure and 

predict solar activity. These devices have 

flown on numerous high-profile spacecraft, 

including the NASA STEREO and TRACE 

missions, the ESA SOHO mission and 

Japanese YOHKOH and HINODE missions. 

Our scientists and engineers specialize in 

telescopes, filters and high-resolution 

cameras to image the Sun in visible, ultraviolet 

and x-ray wavelengths. In the visible 

bands, these instruments—such as the MDI 

on the SOHO spacecraft—include very-highwavelength 

resolution techniques to measure 

solar magnetic fields and solar oscillations. 

Applying techniques like those used to 

analyze earthquakes, we can probe the Sun’s 

interior structure. 

Cameras built to image in the extreme 

ultraviolet region (such as SECCHI and 

TRACE) and X-ray band (SXT and SXI) 

provide detailed information on the structure 

and formation of the solar corona and are 

used to monitor solar activity. In the shorter 

EUV and X-ray wavelength bands, the output 

of the sun changes dramatically over the 

11-year sunspot cycle. These instruments 

open a window onto the complex events 

occurring in the solar atmosphere throughout 

this cycle and offer insight into the 

mechanisms behind these events. 

The SECCHI telescopes on STEREO allow a 

three-dimensional view of the solar 

atmosphere and associated solar wind 

propagating into the solar system. The FPP of 

Japan’s Hinode mission investigates regions 

of the solar surface with high accuracy while 

the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) of 

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) 

will explore the atmosphere of the entire Sun 

on the same scale. SDO will also carry the 

Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI), adding 

to the helioseismic database of SOHO/MDI. 

Astrophysics researchers at the ATC also 

study variations in the activity of other stars. 

The results of these studies help us to better 

understand and, perhaps, to predict the 

variation in activity on our Sun. 

37


Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) 

Tunable Filter 

Tracking the Source of Plasma Jets 

Using the Lockheed Martin Tunable Filter 

to focus on specific Doppler-shifted 

frequencies, the Swedish 1-meter solar 

telescope took images of plasma jets on 

the solar surface. “Blue-shifted” emissions 

(left) indicate plasma jets (dark areas) 

moving toward us at approximately 30,000 

miles per hour. This image was part of a 

recent research effort that discovered a 

strong correlation between periodic sound 

waves occurring at the solar surface and 

the incidence of the plasma jets. 

38 

The TRACE Instrument 

Millions of images of the solar 

atmosphere from the TRACE 

telescope have given us the first 

detailed images of magnetic 

reconnection, an energy release 

mechanism believed to be 

important at the Sun, near Earth 

and in a wide variety of other 

astrophysical conditions. 

Sun Earth Connection Coronal 

Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) 

Three-Dimensional Sun 

Twin telescopes aboard NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Observatory 

(STEREO) image the Sun in four ultraviolet wavelengths. The 

telescopes are aboard two spacecraft positioned on either side 

of the Earth: one preceding and the other trailing the planet in 

orbit around the Sun. The distance between the two spacecraft 

allows a stereo view of our star. The two images are from each 

of the SECCHI telescopes. 

Focal Plane Package 

Solar Photosphere 

Sunspots appear dark in the 

solar photosphere, as shown in 

this image taken by the Focal 

Plane Package of the Solar 

Optical Telescope aboard the 

Hinode mission. Magnetic 

activity causes the region to be 

cooler, therefore darker, than 

its surroundings.


Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) 

Orbiting the Sun aboard SOHO, the MDI instrument uses 

visible imaging with very-high-wavelength resolution to 

measure oscillations on the solar surface that yield 

insight into solar activity and interior structure. 

Yohkoh/Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) 

Magnetic Map 

An MDI observation of the solar 

surface shows an active region 

surrounding a large sunspot group 

in the southern hemisphere. 

Red and blue represent the 

two polarities in the solar 

magnetic field. 

Computer Simulations 

Understanding the solar dynamo and the propagation of material and 

energy through the convection zone below the solar surface helps 

scientists predict short-term solar activity and investigate long-term 

effects of the Sun on our climate. 

Operating for most of the 1990s aboard the 

Japanese Yohkoh satellite, the Soft X-Ray 

Telescope provided high temporal and spatial 

resolution X-ray images of the Sun’s 6-milliondegree 

corona. The instrument used a glancing 

incidence telescope of 1.54-m focal length, which 

forms X-ray images in the 0.25 to 4.0 keV range on 

a 1024 x 1024 virtual phase CCD detector. 

Yohkoh was the first solar mission launched by the 

Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It 

gave unprecedented information about the Sun’s 

upper atmosphere. The ATC built the Focal Plane 

Package that is currently operating aboard the 

second solar mission, Hinode, launched in 2006. 

(a) 

10 27 

10 26 

SOHO Spacecraft 

Launched in 1995, SOHO observes the Sun 

continuously from its orbit at the L1 Lagrangian Point, 

1.5 million kilometers from Earth. MDI is one of several 

European- and American-built instruments on board. 

Computer Model 

A model of the heliosphere, calculated from MDI data, is used 

to forecast the effects of solar activity on spacecraft and 

astronauts in orbit. 

SXT X-Ray Radiance with the Solar Cycle 

92 93 94 95 

Year 

X-Ray Radiance Variation 

These SXT images show how the violently hot solar corona varies 

during the Sun’s 11-year activity cycle. High activity occurred in 

September 1991 (left) near solar maximum. Lower magnetic activity 

occurred in 1995 (right) when the solar cycle was near its minimum. 

(b) 

39

Space Sciences and Instrumentation / Space Physics 

Space physicists at the ATC study the space 

radiation and plasma environment, space weather 

and activity in the Earth’s atmosphere. Data from 

their instruments helps other scientists build a 

comprehensive picture of the dynamic forces at 

work in our protective atmosphere and magnetic 

field and how these forces may impact life on Earth. 

In addition, our space instrumentation work 

provides key support to several Lockheed Martin 

lines of business and enabling technologies to new 

programs ranging from missile defense applications 

to deep space research missions. 

We focus on research and development in three 

core areas: 

• Space instrumentation 

• Space environment 

• Atmospheric physics 

Studying Earth from 

Platforms in Space 

40 

Detecting Lightning 

LIS uses a wide-FOV expanded optics 

lens with a narrowband filter in 

conjunction with a high-speed chargecoupled 

device detection array. 

A realtime event processor inside the 

electronics unit determines when a 

lightning flash occurs, even in the 

presence of bright sunlit clouds. The 

color scale shows the rate of lightning 

flashes. Red indicates the greatest 

number of lighting flashes and blue 

indicates the fewest. 

60 

30 

0 

-30 

-60 

Our space instrumentation effort includes the 

development of high-speed, low-noise, low-power CCD 

focal planes that have been successfully deployed in 

several space-based imaging systems. This work also 

includes the development of analog and digital 

electronics for a variety of spaceflight applications. 

Space environment studies include mission development 

and design, observations and modeling, and research to 

understand and mitigate the potential hazards in the 

space environment to humans and other space assets. 

Space physicists at the ATC have a long history of 

building and flying instruments for missions to examine a 

wide range of Sun-Earth interactions. 

While conducting atmospheric physics research, our 

scientists, engineers and technologists design and 

develop infrared remote sensing instrumentation with 

high spectral resolution to determine atmospheric 

chemistry and dynamics. The primary focus of this work 

has been to understand the response of the stratosphere 

and upper troposphere to various factors, including those 

associated with manmade effects such as the Antarctic 

ozone hole and the role of chlorofluorocarbons. 

Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) 

This space-based science instrument detects the distribution and 

variability of total lightning—cloud-to-cloud, intra-cloud and cloud-toground—in 

tropical regions of the globe. It has operated 

continuously since its launch aboard NASA’s Tropical Rainfall 

Measurement Mission observatory in 1997. 

LIS consists of a staring imager optimized to locate and detect 

lightning with storm-scale resolution (4 to 7 km) over a large region 

(600 x 600 km) of the Earth’s surface. The instrument records the 

time of occurrence, measures the radiant energy and determines 

the location of lightning events within its field of view (FOV). 

-150 -120 -90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 

-150 -120 -90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 

60 

30 

0 

-30 

-60 

70 

50 

40 

30 

20 

15 

10 

.8 

.6 

.4 

.2 

.1


The Polar Ionospheric X-Ray Imaging 

Experiment (PIXIE) 

Launched on the Polar spacecraft in 1996, PIXIE 

provided the first global images of the precipitating 

energetic electrons, thereby revealing the electron 

spectra, energy inputs into the upper atmosphere 

and the resulting ionospheric electron densities and 

electrical conductivities. Scientists used these 

images to determine properties of the upper 

atmosphere and ionosphere during “regular” space 

weather intervals and during severe space storms. 

1.6e+04 

8.00e+03 

0.00e+00 

Flux Photons / (cm-sr-s) 

Auroral X-rays 

PIXIE, a multiple-pinhole camera designed to image an entire 

auroral region in X-rays from extremely high altitude, measured 

the spatial distribution and temporal variation of auroral X-ray 

emissions in the 2 to 60 keV energy range on both the day and 

night sides of Earth. The color scale indicates total X-ray 

intensity from 2 to 12 keV. 

Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) 

Launched aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite 

(UARS), CLAES provided the first global, annual cycle view of many 

critical photochemical processes involved in the formation of the 

ozone hole in the Antarctic spring. 

Temperature 

CIONO2 

K 

229 

209 

189 

Land 

Ocean 

ppbv 

2.1 

1.1 

.1 

Land 

Ocean 

Ozone 

3.9 

3.3 

2.7 

2.1 

1.5 

.9 

Land 

Ocean 

Imager for Magnetopause to Aurora Global 

Exploration (IMAGE) 

NASA’s IMAGE satellite images the Earth’s 

magnetosphere and aurora. It has produced global 

images of the effects of space weather on the near-Earth 

space environment and upper atmosphere. 

The ATC helped develop and build two instruments on 

IMAGE: the Far UltraViolet imager of the Wideband 

Imaging Camera and the Low Energy Neutral Atom 

(LENA) detector. 

Auroral Storm 

This sequence of images from the Wideband Imaging Camera (WIC) 

on the IMAGE spacecraft shows the development of an auroral storm 

over the period of one hour on Oct. 29, 2003. The storm was initiated 

by a large coronal mass ejection from the Sun. The auroral oval 

increased in size and became brighter during the storm. Auroras were 

visible from Colorado, California and other mid-latitude locations in the 

continental United States. 

CFC1 2 

HNO 3 

ppbv 

4.4 

2.4 

.04 

Land 

Ocean 

ppbv 

12 

7 

2 

Land 

Ocean 

Antarctic Ozone Depletion 

These images, from an altitude of about 

20 km over the South Pole, show that in the 

very cold temperatures inside the Antarctic 

vortex, chlorine nitrate (ClONO2), a 

normally inactive form of chlorine, is greatly 

depleted, indicating that it has been 

converted to active forms of chlorine, which 

catalytically destroy ozone. 

In addition, nitric acid (HNO3) also has 

been depleted, another important factor in 

rapid ozone loss. In the central image, 

ozone is depleted inside the vortex 

coincident with the regions of cold 

temperature and photochemically 

conditioned air. A primary source of the 

chlorine for both active and inactive forms 

is the chlorofluorocarbon 12 (CFC12) that is 

shown to be present throughout the polar 

vortex. Together, these measurements 

contributed to compelling evidence for the 

definitive link between manmade CFCs and 

ozone destruction. 

41


The ATC’s space physicists also focus on interplanetary 

space and the environments of other planets and 

comets. We are actively engaged in research that 

examines physical dynamics occurring beyond Earth’s 

atmosphere—ranging from the interactions between 

Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar wind to the physics 

that underlies the interstellar boundary at the extreme 

edges of the Sun’s influence. 

Our researchers design and build instruments that help 

shed new light on the forces at work in our solar system. 

Cusp/Plasma Entry 

Observations of solar wind ions penetrating the 

northern magnetosphere are used to understand the 

processes occurring at the magnetopause. Changes in 

energy provide information on the processes that allow 

solar wind ion entry. 

Toroidal Imaging Mass-Angle Spectrograph 

(TIMAS) 

H+ Energy 

(keV/e) 

10.0 

1.0 

0.1 

Magnetospheric Transport 

TIMAS Instrument 

The TIMAS instrument measures the full threedimensional 

velocity distribution functions of all 

major magnetospheric ion species. It is a firstorder 

double-focusing imaging spectrograph that 

simultaneously measures all mass per charge 

components from 1 atomic mass unit (AMU/e) to 

greater than 32 AMU/e over a nearly 360-degree 

by 10-degree instantaneous field of view. 

H+ Energy 

(keV/e) 

NASA’s Polar mission has played an integral part in 

advancing our understanding of energy and momentum 

transfer across the magnetopause and of electrodynamic 

coupling within the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. 

TIMAS was launched in 1996 aboard the Polar 

spacecraft into a highly elliptical, highly inclined orbit. 

The instrument measures the full three-dimensional 

velocity distribution functions of all major 

magnetosphere ion species. 

42 

10.0 

1.0 

0.1 

Polar / Timas: 08 Sep 1997 

Results from these investigations yield new insights 

into how the Sun, heliosphere and planetary 

environments are connected as a single system, 

how this system may have enabled the formation 

and evolution of life, and how it may affect life 

conditions in the future. 

Looking Beyond the 

Near-Earth Environment 

Polar / Timas: 25 Mar 1996 

A Protective Barrier 

Earth’s magnetic field forms a protective barrier 

around the planet, deflecting many of the highspeed 

charged particles contained in the solar 

wind. The boundary layer of this protective barrier 

is the magnetopause.


Heliosphere 

The heliosphere is the region of space inflated by the Sun’s solar 

wind. As the Sun moves through space, a shock wave forms 

where the heliosphere collides with the interstellar medium. 

Bow Shock 

ROSINA 

Termination Shock 

Heliopause 

Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) 

How does the Sun’s heliosphere interact with the 

interstellar medium? There have been no direct 

measurements of the complex interactions taking place 

at the farthest reaches of the solar system. IBEX, a 

NASA Small Explorer mission, will change that. This 

mission is designed to map the activity of plasma and 

energetic particles at the interstellar boundary beyond 

the Termination Shock, where the solar wind slows to 

subsonic speed and meets the gas, dust and radiation 

environment between the stars. The IBEX spacecraft will 

be launched in 2008 and will fly in a highly elliptical orbit 

far outside the Earth’s magnetosphere. 

A team led by ATC scientists and engineers is designing 

and building the IBEX-Lo sensor. It is one of two sensors 

that will take all-sky images from inside the bubble of the 

heliosphere, measuring the number of energetic neutral 

atoms at different energy levels arriving from interstellar 

space. These measurements will determine many of the 

properties of the heliosphere-interstellar boundary. 

IBEX-Lo Cross Section 

The IBEX-Lo sensor will measure neutral atoms created by the interaction of the solar wind 

and the interstellar medium. The sensor has a large annular opening to allow neutrals to 

enter, a conversion surface to ionize them, and an energy analyzer and mass spectrometer 

to measure their energy and mass. 

Rendezvous with a Comet 

The ATC-designed ROSINA instrument will analyze the composition of the Comet 

67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Rosetta image courtesy of European Space Agency 

The Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA) 

European Space Agency’s 

Rosetta Spacecraft 

ROSINA is an ion mass spectrometer launched aboard the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft. 

Rosetta’s mission is to rendezvous with Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014. Once there, ROSINA will 

analyze the comet’s atmosphere—data that will yield important insights into the formation and evolution of comets 

and the similarity between cometary and interstellar material present at the birth of the solar system. The 

spectrometer also will carbon date the comet’s nucleus to help determine the composition of the interstellar 

medium that formed our Sun. 

43


Expanding What’s Possible 

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology 

Center makes new things possible by 

pushing the boundaries of technology. 

Our scientists, engineers and 

technologists endeavor to build systems 

that are more capable, smaller, lighter 

weight, more reliable, longer lasting or 

less costly than ever before. Developing 

these emerging technologies—and 

applying them to our customers’ 

missions—requires a specific set of 

conditions: 

• A passion for searching out and 

executing innovative solutions 

• Profound knowledge of the 

fundamental physics that impacts the 

task at hand 

• Dedication to the successful 

completion of the mission 

• An understanding of what it takes to 

meet business and performance 

commitments 

The ATC seeks to advance the state of 

the art in aerospace technology by 

utilizing domain expertise in an array of 

technical disciplines, in conjunction with a 

cooperative interdisciplinary approach, to 

address the ongoing needs of our 

customers. These technical solutions 

provide vital support to national security, 

space exploration and environmental 

awareness, and make fundamental 

contributions to our body of scientific 

knowledge. 

Mission Solutions 

The ATC draws on its heritage, expertise and resources in spacecraft buses, ground systems and test facilities to provide 

solutions for both small and large missions. We build instruments as mission systems and supply the total mission 

packages—from developing initial concepts to processing the resulting data. As the technology center for Lockheed Martin, 

we follow common practices and procedures for a smooth transition between the company and our customers. 

44

© 2007 Lockheed Martin Corporation 

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center… 

Innovations in technology driven by customer needs 

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Lockheed Martin 



3251 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304 

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