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Boeing To Build Space-borne Power Generator

ST. LOUIS, July 1, 2003 - Boeing [NYSE:BA] has been named by the
Department of Energy (DOE) to lead in the creation of a
next-generation power system for future Mars surface missions and the
exploration of deep space.
 
Boeing Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power in Canoga Park, Calif., is
teamed with Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. to develop, qualify, and
deliver electrical power generation systems for interplanetary
missions and probes. The new compact power system, a multi-mission
radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG), will provide unique
in-space and planetary surface power capability.

The announcement follows the successful launch of the Boeing Delta
II, powered by the Rocketdyne RS-27A engine, which sent Mars
Exploration Rovers A, otherwise known as "Unity", on its way to the
red planet. 

Missions already targeted to use the new power system are the Mars
Science Laboratory, a mobile laboratory rover that will be sent to
the Red Planet in 2009; an Outer Planets Probe set for launch in
2011; and the Mars Sample Return mission, planned for launch in
2013. 

The MMRTG will supply electric power for mobility, data acquisition,
and communication. It will have a 14-year design life, including
three years on the surface of Mars.

A flight version would be capable of generating power levels of about
110 watts by using a radioisotope heat source to drive thermoelectric
power converters to create electric power.

An MMRTG-powered rover will be able to land and go anywhere on the
surface of Mars, from the polar caps to deep, dark canyons, and will
safely provide full power during night and day under all types of
environmental conditions. 

"This next-generation MMRTG technology will be based on a proven
heritage design that has been demonstrated by earlier efforts on the
surface of Mars and in deep space," said Rich Rovang, program manager
for the MMRTG team. "All of the Viking and Pioneer spacecrafts used
Teledyne RTG design technologies," he said. "The RTG on Pioneer 10
operated over 30 years and over seven billion miles from Earth."

Boeing Rocketdyne's Power Systems group will lead the project and
perform systems integration for a prototype system that would employ
a non-nuclear heat source for local testing and systems
demonstrations. For its part, Teledyne Energy Systems will supply a
new series of thermoelectric generators and related technologies.
Fueling and final testing of the qualification and flight units will
be performed by the DOE. 

Boeing Rocketdyne is also working several related technology
contracts that will eventually lead to even higher power and more
efficient systems to enable future deep space propulsion systems.
Implementation of these advanced propulsion systems could
dramatically shorten the times required to visit planets and their
moons and enable future missions to explore multiple destinations in
a single voyage. These technologies are part of NASA's Project
Prometheus, which seeks to create new, more capable power and
propulsion systems.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of
the world 's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in
St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $25 billion
business. It provides systems solutions to its global military,
government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest
military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite
manufacturer and leading provider of space-based communications; the
primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest
contractor; and a global leader of launch services.

###

Contacts:
John Mitchell
Boeing Rocketdyne
(818) 586-4564

Madonna Walsh
Boeing IDS News Bu Bureau
(314) 234-1362

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