The Aerospace Corporation and Draper Laboratory Form

Alliance to Study Microelectromechanical Systems

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (12/ 7/98) -- The Aerospace Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., establishing the foundation for an alliance to promote technology advancements.

The initial thrust of the partnership will focus on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and related technologies.

Draper, a nonprofit corporation based in Cambridge, Mass., is recognized for the development of its MEMS inertial measurement devices and multichip module-packaging capabilities.

The Aerospace Corporation, recognized as a vigorous proponent for MEMS spacecraft insertion, has established itself as a leader in micropropulsion technology with unique capabilities for the laser micromachining of materials.

"This alliance will capitalize on the strengths of both organizations," said Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr., president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation. "We are confident that this union will result in significant technical advancements."

A number of interchanges have already taken place to identify optimum areas of potential collaboration. Selection of cooperative efforts is anticipated in the near future.

Dr. Seymour Feuerstein, principal director of the Center for Microtechnology at The Aerospace Corporation, is responsible for the initiatives with Draper.

The Microtechnology Center was established in September 1998 to provide management, coordination and oversight for the corporation's growing number of microtechnology activities.