PPT Gains New Tasks With NASA and PEO Aviation

HUNTSVILLE, AL, - PPT Solutions, Inc.  (PPT) has gained two new tasks with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the US Army Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation.

For the first task, PPT, serving as a subcontractor to Bastion Technologies, is performing an independent safety review of the software being developed by MSFC for NASA's ARES rocket. Along with other key components, the software package PPT is reviewing is comprised of the Flight Computer (FC) software that performs top-level control, guidance, navigation, and steering of the rocket.

The second task is with PEO Aviation’s Product Manager Aviation Mission Equipment (PM AME) Office, with PPT serving as a subcontractor to Qinetiq North America Westar Aerospace and Defense Group. PPT has been tasked to evaluate the safety criticality of installing a Joint- Tactical Radio Set (JTRS) into various Army aviation aircraft (or platforms). The JTRS is a radio device that is driven by software waveforms. Eventually the Army hopes to replace a few radios with a single JTRS, saving valuable weight. PPT has also been asked to review how the JTRS will be used in the aircraft to determine the potential hazards if the JTRS malfunctions. A follow-on phase will review the current JTRS requirements to ensure it is developed to the appropriate requirements to meet the required safety level.

“We are very happy to be able to help both of these government organizations in the areas of system and software safety,” said Jim Reeb, PPT President.  “This is definitely a PPT niche area of service that we have seen significant growth over the last couple of years.  It is exciting for us to know we are contributing to important programs such as these.  It is also very satisfying to see organizations becoming more focused on system and software safety.”

PPT has been performing system and software safety support since 2006 with both government and commercial organizations with emphasis on satisfying safety, airworthiness, and DO-178B requirements.