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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Foothill Ranch, CA, United States, 08/27/2009 - Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems, a unit of Boeing Phantom Works, presented Bal Seal Engineering, Inc., with an award for its work on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST) program.
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Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems, a unit of Boeing Phantom Works, has presented Bal Seal Engineering, Inc., a global provider of sealing, connecting, conducting and shielding solutions, with an award for its work on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST) program.
DARPA’s FAST aims to develop a new, ultra-lightweight High Power Generation System (HPGS) that can generate up to 175 kilowatts – more power than is currently available to the International Space Station. When combined with electric propulsion, FAST will form the foundation for future self-deployed, high-mobility spacecraft to perform ultra-high-power communications, space radar, satellite transfer and servicing missions.
During a recent ceremony at Boeing’s El Segundo, Calif. facility, Bal Seal was recognized for outstanding performance during Phase I of the program, which focused on the development of lightweight, high-powered solar arrays for spacecraft.
According to Boeing FAST program manager Tom Kessler, “Bal Seal’s collaborative input into the design of electro-mechanical elements within the solar arrays contributed significantly to Phase I work of the program.”
Bal Seal Engineering VP Hugh Cook, who accepted the award on behalf of team members
Robert Castillo, Daniel Poon and Kyle Smith, called it “an important milestone” in his company’s relationship with Boeing.
“Not only does this award stand as recognition for the hard work our engineering team has invested in the program,” said Cook, “it also symbolizes Boeing’s understanding and appreciation of the fact that Bal Seal brings a valuable, innovative perspective to the partnership. And it’s another example of how we can help our customers make the kind of technological advances that keep them on the cutting edge.”
According to Cook, engineers from Bal Seal and Boeing worked together to design devices that perform mechanical connecting and electrical conducting functions inside the arrays that gather solar energy to power spacecraft. The devices employ Bal Seal’s canted-coil™ spring technology to reduce weight and boost performance, he said.
In its presentation of the supplier award, Kessler cited Bal Seal’s outstanding support and acknowledged the dedication and enthusiasm of individual Bal Seal engineering team members. The two companies will continue working together during the second phase of the program.
About Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. (balseal.com) is a global provider of custom-engineered sealing, conducting, connecting and shielding solutions for aerospace applications. Products include Bal Seal™, Bal Shield™ and Bal Contact™ solutions, all of which employ unique canted-coil™ spring technology for enhanced performance and reliability. For the latest news and information about Bal Seal, visit the website or call 800.366.1006.
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aparker[.]balseal.com 
