00L-3 CE Space Electronics was nominated by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the design development and production of three flight UHF transceivers that have served the Odyssey Mars Orbiter and the Mars Rovers Opportunity and Spirit.
00The transceivers were launched in 2001. The Mars Rovers landed and began communications in 2004. According to Stanley Butman of the MER Mission, the Odyssey transceiver relayed "the highest data rate ever achieved from a Mars-surface vehicle."
00Joe Herman, Vice President General Manager, Space Electronics noted, "L-3 CE Space Electronics is proud of our contribution to the success of the MER Program. We are currently engaged in the development phase for the MSL 2009 launch. Our nomination for the Low Award is a recognition of the special talents and skills of our Space Electronics Team."
00The George M. Low award is based on a criteria of contract technical performance, schedule performance, management initiatives, continuous improvement and technology breakthroughs.
00George M. Low (1926-1984) worked on the planning team to initially organize NASA and served as Chief of Manned Space Flight. He was named NASA Deputy Administrator where he served from 1969-1976. Award winners will be announced in spring 2006.