Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has been awarded an eight-month study contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Wright Patterson AFB, to develop a new modular communications architecture for satellites that weigh less than 400 kilograms (mini-satellite, 100 to 500 kg in weight) and one that can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively. The study will support the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORSO) at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, with systems engineering, requirements analysis, and concept development of an architecture whereby common components are able to support multiple payloads. The modular architecture will allow rapid configuration of the satellites to meet the changing needs of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions as well as other military communications requirements.