 Since its founding in the 1960s, the Space Electronics Division has established itself as a leader in space communications and other space electronics applications. In the early 1970s, its development of high efficiency transmitters for the communication technology satellite enabled global transmission of broadcast signals by creating access to the KU band, a feat for which the division later received an Emmy. In the 1980s, the division initiated work on ACTS, the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite, which will enable innovative communication services and improved spectral use by opening up the KA band. Today, the division continues to perform award-winning research and development work in varied areas of space electronics, from communication systems, antenna and RF systems technology to electron beam solid state and digital technology. Staffed by nearly 100 professionals, many of whom are recognized authorities in their fields, the division performs its work in partnership with a distinguished cadre of universities and businesses. This communications remains an important research area for the division. The communications systems branch, for instance, performs advanced system and communication architecture studies, which permit the formulation of network design requirements and traffic models and the identification of technologies critical to the deployment of advanced architectures. The division's electron beam technology branch, a world leader in long-life cathode and high efficiency traveling wave tube research, is developing 32 gigahertz and 60 gigahertz traveling wave tubes for use in deep space and inter-satellite links, respectively. The comparative longevity of these devices, coupled with their high efficiency, extends satellite life while reducing redundancy requirements. The division's solid state branch is well-known for its testing and characterization of high temperature superconductors, such as microwave and millimeter wave circuits, for use in high-frequency communication systems. High-speed circuit design and development from schematic capture to printed circuit board layout and fabrication is the forte of the digital signal technology branch. An area of major concentration for the branch is space and ground-based communications switching technology, specifically the development of modulation and coding, onboard processing and digital ground terminals. The branch's artificial intelligence lab is doing pioneering work in the development of expert systems that identify and provide solutions to problems in satellite power and communications systems. Expert systems are also being applied to operator training and documentation needs. A principal area of expertise for the antenna and RF systems technology branch is the development of phased array antenna systems. These systems provide significant beam control advantages over other antenna systems. The branch's photonics research has led to the development of optically-fed controlled and processed arrays, which are much smaller and lighter than conventional arrays. Testing of such arrays is conducted in state-of-the-art, near and far field antenna facilities. The division's RF activity includes designing monolithic microwave integrated circuits, such as phase shifters, amplifiers and oscillators. The division is also developing more appropriate circuit packaging for such devices and has received a number of patents for its circuit test fixtures. The division's communications projects branch builds on and augments the communications related work of the division's other branches. Its noteworthy projects include a satellite communication test bed and a link evaluation terminal, both of which have been applied to the ACTS satellite. Among the terminal's capabilities are the demonstration of a high burst rate Earth ACTS satellite link. The test bed's uses include the evaluation of link transmission quality and the modeling of the ACTS satellite's planned multi-channel 30 to 20 gigahertz transponder. As the 21st century approaches, the Space Electronics Division's unique research capabilities and highly qualified staff ensure that it will continue to be an innovative force in Space Electronics, providing leadership and support for the developmental and research efforts of its corporate and university partners.