Actel FPGAs make significant contribution to global space exploration

Citation

(2000), "Actel FPGAs make significant contribution to global space exploration", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772aaf.009

Actel FPGAs make significant contribution to global space exploration

Keywords Actel, Integrated circuits, Space travel

FPGA (field-programmable gate array) integrated circuits developed by Actel Corporation were designed into a mission for their first journey into space. Since that time, thousands of Actel programmable logic circuits have performed aboard manned space vehicles, earth observation satellites and deep-space probes.

Actel's programmable ICs often perform mission-critical functions on important scientific missions in space. For example, Actel FPGAs are currently on board four Mars missions and were used several years ago onboard the Mars Pathfinder Rover. In addition, there are Actel devices performing functions at this moment on the repaired and revitalised Hubble Space Telescope. Actel FPGAs are being readied for the next space infrared telescope facility (SIRTF), which launches in 2001. The recently launched Stardust probe, which is scheduled to make several large loops around the sun and rendezvous with the tail of the comet Wild 2 in January 2004, carries about 100 Actel programmable ICs on board.

John East, president and CEO of Actel Corporation stated:

When the Rover landed on Mars, it was Actel devices that controlled the motors in Rover's camera and helped to send back thousands of amazing photos for weeks ... This is all the more amazing when you realise Rover operated in an extreme temperature and radiation environment. Rover's controlling electronics far exceeded the agency's performance expectations and extended the life of this mission by several weeks.Today, I often find myself thinking about how many Actel FPGAs have headed off to the farthest reaches of our solar system, or are orbiting above the Earth right now, performing important functions aboard many well-known and not-so-well-known space probes and environmental satellites ... Looking over the high-tech landscape, I know Actel is not a huge company. But Actel's 430 employees are playing an important part in contributing to the gathering of man's growing knowledge about our planet and the universe in which we live. We are helping the advancement of science and Actel employees are proud of it. We are also helping science to learn more about Earth's weather, topology, geology and its very origins.

Chuck Gibson, HiRel strategic business unit director at Actel stated:

Actel is keenly aware that NASA's budgeting climate has shifted away from the "just get it done on time" priorities in the early days to one of "fishbowl accountability" today. Dan Goldin, NASA Administrator, not long ago summoned all NASA suppliers to learn to "build 'em cheaper, better and faster". I am happy to say that Actel continues to introduce greater breadth to our product offering, which has helped us successfully respond to Mr Goldin's challenge ... We have been able to change the description of the products and testing required by NASA without sacrificing system reliability and dependability. This has allowed Actel to dramatically reduce pricing for "space-ready" silicon and, in effect, do our part to hold down the cost of space technology.

Actel participates in programs administered by NASA's Goddard, Johnson and Marshall Space Flight Centres including the Space Shuttle, as well as programs at California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), but the company's success has not been limited to US civilian space programs. Today, Actel's programmable silicon can be found in spacecraft launched by virtually every civilian space effort around the world - from the European Space Agency (ESA) to NASDA in Japan - as well as onboard the International Space Station (ISS). John East concluded:

We feel like Actel has made of a real impact in the science and technology of space exploration over the seven short years since Actel first qualified its FPGAs for space. Going forward, Actel will continue to develop its role in the space community and expand its presence in the commercial satellite infrastructure being assembled to build global communications networks.

Details available from: Actel Europe Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1256 305601.