Siemens’ software used to develop Mars Rover helps ULA successfully deliver rockets to orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 21, 2015 — An Atlas V rocket designed and built by United Launch Alliance (ULA), which utilizes engineering analysis and simulation software from Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software business unit, carried a U.S. Navy communications satellite into space today.

The same Siemens PLM software was also used on the Mars Rover program to help in the design, production and testing of the Curiosity Rover. Additionally, the Atlas V also propelled the Mars Rover Curiosity into space in 2012 for its historic landing on the red planet.

“Software is helping to enable space exploration, and today I was witness to an important step in the next generation of discoveries,” said Helmuth Ludwig, Executive Vice President, Digital Enterprise Realization at Siemens. “Siemens is proud of our partnership with ULA and we are honored to be a software provider as they continue to advance the technology of space flight with launches like these, made possible with software like ours.”

ULA is the space industry’s most experienced launch services company, providing reliable, cost-efficient access to space for the Department of Defense, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and commercial customers. ULA has completed its first steps in a long-range plan to incorporate Siemens’ Teamcenter® software into its operation to manage the entire lifecycle development process of its Delta IV and Atlas V rockets. Today’s launch is ULA’s 92nd consecutive successful launch since the company began operations in December 2006.

“ULA is very proud of our 100 percent success rate, and our partnership with Siemens contributes to this success,” said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. “Moving forward, an expanded technology partnership with Siemens will enable significant cost and resource savings while simultaneously improving process and product reliability at higher production and launch rates.”

ULA is partnering with Siemens to develop a fully integrated PLM management system that will connect and integrate engineering data with users and systems across the enterprise. ULA has deployed the capability to develop and manage mission requirements and ICDs (interface control documents) in an integrated system which gives a new level of visibility, interactive management, and closed-loop control to mission management engineers.

Siemens and ULA are currently developing a multi-CAD (computer-aided design) tool data and configuration management system which will enable a model based design and development approach for ULA’s new NGLS (next generation launch system) rocket.

Siemens’ software architecture and capabilities currently in development at ULA are expected to enable significant cost and resource savings while simultaneously improving process and product reliability at higher production and launch rates.

As the space exploration industry continues to evolve, so does engineering and manufacturing. In today’s cost-conscious – yet discovery-hungry – space industry, Siemens’ PLM software is a powerful tool enabling the efficient innovation that drives exploration. The software is used throughout the global space industry to help meet new challenges, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and help ensure mission success.

Siemens is proud to be a technology partner with a wide variety of organizations throughout the world including ULA, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® spacecraft team. As these agencies and companies push the boundaries of space exploration further each day, Siemens stands as an invaluable partner and champion of the next-generation of space exploration.

Note: Photos and video available at http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/SpaceExploration.

About ULA

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 92 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Digital Factory Division, is a leading global provider of PLM software and services with nine million licensed seats and more than 77,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies to deliver open solutions to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About Siemens Corporation

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. With 343,000 employees in more than 200 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $98 billion in fiscal 2014. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $22.2 billion, including $5.2 billion in exports, and employs nearly 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.