Harris to Provide Astronaut Audio System for NASA's 1st Huma
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

This news is classified in: Aerospace Contracts Communications Space

Jul 17, 2018

Harris to Provide Astronaut Audio System for NASA's 1st Human Deep-Space Exploration Mission

System will allow deep-space astronauts to communicate throughout flight Positions Harris for future work on crewed space flights Continues Harris' legacy supporting every manned U.S. space mission

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) will provide the crucial audio communication system for NASA’s first human deep-space exploration mission, scheduled to launch in 2022 onboard the Orion spacecraft.

Orion is NASA’s first spacecraft designed for long-duration, deep-space exploration by humans. Harris was selected by Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for Orion, to deliver the audio system for Exploration Mission-2, the first crewed flight for the Orion spacecraft.

The system, which will enable astronauts to communicate with each other and NASA, will feature audio control units (ACU), audio interface units (AIU) and a speaker unit (SPU). The ACU provides central audio control and signal processing; the AIU is the push to talk interface clipped to the spacesuit or shirt sleeve; and the SPU transmits voice communications, as well as caution and warning alarm tones, in the cabin.

3D Printed Satellite Market - Global Forecast to 2030

3D Printed Satellite Market - Global Forecast to 2030

by Component (Antenna, Bracket, Shield, Housing and Propulsion), Satellite Mass (Nano and microsatellite, small satellite, medium and large satellite), Application and Region

Download free sample pages

“The Harris-built audio system will be a crucial communications tool for astronauts on board this and future Orion missions, such as flights to Mars and beyond,” said Murali Krishnan, vice president and general manager, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Harris Space and Intelligence Systems. “Being a part of NASA’s Orion program positions Harris for future crewed space flight work, as the U.S. government continues to deepen its commitment to space exploration.”

Harris’ Space and Intelligence business designs, manufactures, and integrates systems for Earth and space observation and for satellite communications. The company’s technology has been onboard every manned U.S. space mission.


Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS)
View original News release

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

National Harbor, MD
Jun 26 - 27, 2024

View agenda
Defence Exports 2024 Conference

Defence Exports 2024 Conference

London, United Kingdom
Sep 24 - 25, 2024

View agenda