[SatNews] Two days ago, a United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the U.S. Navy's MUOS-3 satellite into space.

The Atlas V rocket, built by ULA, uses engineering analysis and simulation software from Siemens' product lifecycle management software business. Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is used throughout the global space industry to help increase efficiency, reduce costs and ensure mission success. No less than 18 of the top 20 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the aerospace and defense sectors use Siemens PLM software solutions for constructing, designing and simulating rockets, satellites and space shuttles. NASA's Mars rover Curiosity, which was made for the 2012 mission to Mars, is the best example of this successful cooperation.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) also uses Siemens PLM software technology to help ensure the success of its space shuttle Dream Chaser®. The German space agency (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are collaborating on the Dream Chaser®, which is designed to transport up to seven crew members and payloads to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the International Space Station.

The Siemens PLM Community infosite is located at http://community.plm.automation.siemens.com/