SSY.L Regulatory News (SSY)

22 Apr 2009 07:00



SCISYS PLC 

(SSY: AIM)

SciSys plc ("SciSys"), the supplier of bespoke software systems, IT based solutions and support services to the media, broadcast, environment, space, defence, public and transport sectors, is pleased to announce a contract award from the European Space Agency ("ESA") for an onboard satellite software project.

Future evolutions of earth observation, telecom and navigation missions on communications satellites are likely to be "dual-use", providing services to commercial, scientific, civilian security and defence communities simultaneously from a single satellite. For this to happen it is necessary to safely separate the on-board computer system into multiple logical partitions in a secure manner. This is termed "secure partitioning" and if successful would enable competing commercial entities to share a single spacecraft by providing confidentiality guarantees for sensor data, intellectual property such as program codes for space-reprogrammable devices and operational procedures inside a partition.

To meet this challenge ESA has awarded a proof-of-concept project to a team lead by SciSys. The purpose of the "Securely Partitioning Spacecraft Computing Resources" project will be to analyse, adapt and implement partitioning techniques that focus on both security and safety issues in spacecraft on-board software. In particular this will include a review of separation microkernels currently available or under development in terrestrial applications but which are suitable for use in future ESA programmes.

Commenting on the contract, Mike Love, Chairman of SciSys said:

"Capacity sharing technology for space missions will have significant cost implications for both operators and users of space technologies. The technology is already proven in the Aviation industry so it is a natural progression that it should be extended to space flight.

"SciSys is delighted to have been chosen to lead this project. The contract was won in the face of major competition and highlights SciSys' ability to compete in new technology fields with innovative solutions. We have worked on numerous projects with ESA and this is a new field which could potentially lead to further projects. 

"Starting this year the project will run for circa 18 months and further underpins our order book position for 2009 going into 2010"

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Notes to Editors:

SciSys is a leading global developer of ICT services, e-Business and advanced technology solutions. The company operates in a broad spectrum of market sectors including space, utilities, defence, government, environment, communications, transport, media and broadcast. Within these markets, SciSys has been involved in significant developments that have changed the way people do their jobs, through key technologies. SciSys clients are predominantly blue chip and public sector organisations and its customers include the Environment Agency, Thames Water, Arqiva, the MOD, Astrium, the European Space Agency, the BBC, Deutsche Welle and the Metropolitan Police.

Additional information about SciSys available at: http://www.scisys.co.uk/