The Ball Aerospace Infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory (IRREL) operated at the Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has received the 2008 Herschel Award.

The award was presented at the February meeting of the Military Sensing Symposium (MSS), a national organization that promotes the development and application of both radar and electro-optic sensor technology, primarily associated with military applications. The Herschel Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a major breakthrough in infrared device science or technology.

In making the presentation, Dr. William Radford, chairman of the MSS Detector Specialty Group, said, "With a combined experience of over 90 years, the unrivaled leadership and expertise that IRREL leverages on a day-to-day basis makes them an asset to all systems that utilize focal plane arrays."

According to the award citation, "Over the past 20 years, IRREL has emerged as the leading DoD laboratory for the characterization of infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) in both clear and radiation environments. Additionally, IRREL has characterized detectors and focal plane arrays (FPAs) that have promise for the future."

"We are pleased to accept this significant honor, which highlights the important work Ball provides to the U.S. Air Force and the DoD for national security," said David L. Taylor, Ball Aerospace president and chief executive officer. "The technology advancements made by IRREL also support corporations, universities and research institutes in bringing about valuable achievements."

The Herschel Award is one of the most prestigious awards offered by the MSS. The selection committee for the award consists of influential members of the infrared scientific and customer community. The award is named for Sir Frederick William Herschel, a British astronomer who became famous for discovering infrared radiation.

In addition to supporting the IRREL at the AFRL, Ball Aerospace also supports AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate and Spacecraft Technology Division, the National Assessment Group, and Air Force evaluation activities from its Albuquerque offices.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. Over the past 50 years, Ball Aerospace has been responsible for numerous technological and scientific 'firsts' and now acts as a technology innovator for the aerospace market.

Ball Corporation is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging products for beverage, food and household customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 15,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 sales of $7.4 billion.

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First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rbrown@ball.com

SOURCE: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.