Sakor Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer of dynamometer test systems for the aerospace industry, announces that it has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company to supply two advanced dynamometer test systems for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - R Series (GOES-R), which will result in more timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings.

The Sakor MicroDyne AC dynamometer systems will provide for very low speed, high torque testing of motors and drive mechanisms used to control solar arrays as well as aim the satellite's solar telescope. The MicroDyne systems will also be used in conjunction with durability, vibration and vacuum testing of the components.

The test systems will include a 370 watt high torque MicroDyne table top AC dynamometer, ideal for use in small motor and small component testing. Sakor's DynoLAB EM data acquisition and control system will be used to fully integrate the entire test system for the flight drives. "Lockheed Martin has a longstanding commitment to working with smaller US-based companies and Sakor is honored to be selected by such a large and prestigious aerospace company," said Randal Beattie, president of Okemos, Michigan-based Sakor Technologies, Inc. "We are pleased to play a role in the advancement of instrumentation technology for NOAA's next generation of geostationary weather satellites."  

Data from NOAA's GOES satellites provide accurate real-time weather forecasts and early warning products to the public and private sectors. The advanced spacecraft and instrument technology used on the GOES-R series will improve forecasting quality and timeliness, generating significant economic benefits to the nation in the areas of public safety, climate monitoring, space weather prediction, ecosystems management, commerce, and transportation. GOES-R is scheduled for launch in 2015.