Lockheed Martin-Built AMC-14 Satellite Ready For Launch From Baikonur Cosmodrome

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The AMC-14 communications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE:  LMT] for SES AMERICOM, an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG),is ready for launch on March 15 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Proton/Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services.  AMC-14, which is scheduled to launch at 5:18 a.m. in Baikonur (March 14 at 7:18 p.m. EDT), will be located at orbital location 61.5 degrees West Longitude.

AMC-14 will provide direct-to-home broadcast services across the continentalU.S., Mexico and Central America for EchoStar Communications Corp., which has leased the entire capacity of AMC-14.  Based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100AX platform, AMC-14 features 32 high-power Ku-band transponders in the BSS frequency band, each utilizing 24 MHz bandwidth. The spacecraft antenna is designed for operation over two separate orbital arcs: 61.5 degrees West Longitude to 77 degrees West Longitude or 110 degrees West Longitude to 148 degrees West Longitude, providing SES AMERICOM extensive flexibility in meeting their customer’s business plans. 

AMC-14 also carries a demonstration receive active phased array (APA) payload that allows coverage to be reshaped on orbit.   The spacecraft incorporates the highest levels of redundancy on core components such as amplifiers, receivers, command and control components and on-board computers.

AMC-14 is expected to provide more than 15 years of service life and is the 17th Lockheed Martin-built A2100 series spacecraft designed, built and launched for SES companies.  In 2007, Lockheed Martin successfully launched ASTRA 1L for SES ASTRA and SIRIUS 4 for SES SIRIUS.  AMC-14 also marks the 36th A2100 spacecraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin for customers worldwide. 

The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft’s design accommodates a large range of communication payloads.  This design modularity also enables the A2100 spacecraft to be configured for missions other than communication.  The A2100 design is currently being adapted for geostationary earth orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions and is currently the baselined platform for Lockheed Martin’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) proposal.  The A2100 also serves as the platform for critical government communications programs including Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Mobile User Objective System and is the foundation for Lockheed Martin's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) offering for the U.S. Government.

Image Caption: A2100

Image Credit: Lockheed Martin

Source: Lockheed Martin

Permalink: http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/lockheed_martin/p325_12.html

Time Stamp: 3/12/2008 at 12:19:06 PM CST

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Awards F6 Satellite Program Contract To Lockheed Martin

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

A team headed by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Space Systems Company (LMSSC) has received a $5.7 million contract from DARPA to compete in Phase 1 development of their System F6 space technology and demonstration program. F6 is shorthand for "Future, Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying Spacecraft United by Information Exchange."

The DARPA System F6 program intends to demonstrate that a traditional, large, monolithic satellite can be replaced by a group of smaller, individually launched, wirelessly networked and cluster-flown spacecraft modules. Each "fractionated" module can contribute a unique capability to the rest of the network, such as computing, ground communications, or payload functionality. The ultimate goal of the program is to launch a fractionated spacecraft system and demonstrate it in orbit in approximately four years.

"Our team brings together the perfect combination of innovation, expertise, experience and past performance to successfully demonstrate the value and flexibility of a fractionated approach to satellite systems," said Dr. Jim Ryder, vice president of the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto. "For our 12 Month Phase 1 preliminary design effort, we will evaluate fractionation technologies and system econometrics, simulate the fractionated space network mission with our extensive space-qualified hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and Controls & Automation Laboratory testbeds and work closely with our DARPA partner to conduct a thorough stakeholder analysis to identify potential mission partners."

The Lockheed Martin effort comprises a multi-disciplinary team of leaders for all System F6 technology pillars. The ATC delivers advanced research in space system network architectures and control for fractionation. The LMSSC Surveillance & Navigation Systems (SNS) line of business delivers experience in mission partner concepts and fielding SmallSats for proximity operations. Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS) delivers ground systems. Other teammates include Colbaugh & Heinsheimer (supported by several Stanford University professors), Aurora Flight Sciences (supported by several MIT professors), and Vanderbilt University.

The ATC is the research and development organization of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC). LMSSC, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Permalink: http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/lockheed_martin/p308_11.html

Time Stamp: 3/5/2008 at 10:21:27 PM CST

Modified Lockheed Martin Aegis Weapon System Successfully Destroys Errant Satellite

Friday, February 22, 2008

Aegis Versatility Helps Avert Potential Disaster

Again demonstrating its adaptability to support new and more challenging mission needs, Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon System successfully destroyed an errant United States satellite, preventing it from an uncontrolled and unpredictable reentry and potential crash to Earth.

In the mission, the SPY-1B radar on the cruiser USS Lake Erie detected the satellite during its orbit and, through the capable equipment and computer programs comprising the Aegis Weapon System, computed a targeting solution to guide an SM-3 missile to intercept the satellite. Once the SM-3 was launched from the ship's MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), Aegis guided the missile to the terminal phase of the intercept.

Lockheed Martin engineers recently worked with U.S. Navy, Missile Defense Agency, national laboratory and other industry engineers and scientists to modify the Aegis BMD Weapon System to specifically take on this one-time emergency mission.

With the co-location of the Navy's Combat Systems Engineering Development Site and Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, NJ, the work to design and test the modifications required for this mission was made much easier. The real-time collaboration between engineers and Sailors with the land-based Aegis BMD Weapon System was a critical factor in meeting the timeline for the mission.

"Aegis BMD and the team behind it have answered every call to defeat threats to our nation and allies," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors. "From the engineers designing and developing Aegis BMD to the men and women in uniform carrying out the mission, Aegis BMD delivers!"

"Through our Aegis BMD testing, we know that hitting a target in space is a tremendous challenge," said Moosally. "With an unpredictable aerodynamic profile and significantly greater speed, this mission added new twists to that challenge ... a challenge that was met head on with the Aegis 'build a little, test a little, learn a lot' engineering philosophy."

Lockheed Martin engineers will now begin the process of reversing the modifications to USS Lake Erie and the two destroyers participating in the mission, USS Decatur and USS Russell, to return the Aegis systems to their normal BMD and multi-mission configuration.

The MDA and the U.S. Navy are jointly developing Aegis BMD as part of the United States' Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Currently, 10 U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped warships have the ability to conduct long range search and track and engage ballistic missiles. Another seven Aegis warships are equipped with Aegis BMD long range surveillance and track capability. Ultimately 15 Aegis destroyers and three Aegis cruisers will be outfitted with the ability to engage short to intermediate range ballistic missile threats and support other BMDS engagements using the Aegis BMD Weapon System and the SM-3. Japan has purchased Aegis BMD capability for their Kongo-class Aegis destroyers.

The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 85 ships around the globe with more than 20 additional ships planned or under contract. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Japan, South Korea, Norway, Spain and Australia. Japan completed its first successful test of Aegis BMD in December 2007.

Capable of launching missiles for every threat in naval warfare, Lockheed Martin's MK 41 VLS, developed and manufactured at the company's Baltimore, MD, facility, has recorded a 99.97 percent launch success rate with more than 3,500 firings and is being used by 12 navies around the world. More than 11,000 MK 41 VLS missile cells have been delivered or are on order. MK 41 VLS cells are either in service or on order for 186 ships in 19 different ship classes around the world.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3). It also has considerable experience in interceptor systems, kill vehicles, battle management command, control and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and other sensors that enable signal processing and data fusion. The company makes significant contributions to nearly all major U.S. Missile Defense Systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Permalink: http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/lockheed_martin/p278_10.html

Time Stamp: 2/22/2008 at 2:36:21 PM CST

Lockheed Martin-Built A2100 Satellite Fleet Achieves 200 Years In Orbit

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) A2100 communications satellite fleet recently achieved a major milestone by accumulating 200 years of successful in-orbit operations.  The A2100 satellite series, designed and manufactured at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), currently consists of 34 satellites featuring 1254 transponders with an accumulated lifetime of over 7800 years of successful operations in orbit.  The first A2100 satellite, AMC-1, was launched Sept. 8, 1996 for SES AMERICOM.  SIRIUS 4, the most recent A2100 spacecraft, was successfully launched on Nov. 18, 2007 for SES SIRIUS.  

Upcoming launches include AMC-14 for SES AMERICOM in mid-March and VINASAT-1, built for Vietnamese Posts and Telecommunications Group, in April.  AMC-14 will carry a demonstration active phased array (APA) payload consisting of a receive mode APA antenna, allowing customers enhanced flexibility on orbit.  VINASAT-1 represents the first ever spacecraft procurement by the nation of Vietnam.

“We are enormously proud of the impressive reliability track record of our A2100 satellite," said Vice President and General Manager Marshall Byrd.  “This important milestone is the result of our team's focus and determination to successfully execute on each and every individual program for our customers. In addition, by adopting a deliberately evolutionary approach to introducing new technology, we can maintain a very low risk to the overall spacecraft mission.”

Throughout its nearly 50-year history, LMCSS has built 94 communications geostationary earth orbit satellites which have achieved a total of 779 in-orbit years.  In 2007, LMCSS delivered the 32^nd, 33^rd and 34^th A2100 spacecraft to satellite operators around the world:  ASTRA 1L, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA on May 3; BSAT-3a, lifted into orbit Aug. 14 also aboard an Ariane 5 ECA; and SIRIUS 4, launched aboard an International Launch Services Proton launch vehicle.

The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft design accommodates a large range of payloads.  This design modularity enables the A2100 spacecraft to be configured for a wide variety of missions in addition to communication.  The A2100 serves as the platform for critical Lockheed Martin government communications programs such as the Advanced Extremely High Frequency program and Mobile User Objective System. 

The A2100 platform design has been adapted for geostationary earth orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions and is currently baselined for Lockheed Martin’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) proposal.  The A2100 platform also is the foundation for Lockheed Martin's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) offering for the U.S. Government.

Image Caption: A2100

Image Credit: Lockheed Martin

Source: Lockheed Martin

Permalink: http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/lockheed_martin/p249_09.html

Time Stamp: 2/12/2008 at 1:10:21 PM CST

MEADS Program Completes Preliminary Design Review

Monday, February 11, 2008

The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) recently completed its System Preliminary Design Review (PDR), a major milestone in the program’s development.

The MEADS team will now focus on detailed design work for the system, with the Critical Design Review (CDR) scheduled for 2009, leading to initial MEADS flight tests in 2011.

MEADS is the mobile air and missile defense system that will replace Patriot systems in the United States and Nike Hercules systems in Italy, and will supplement and eventually replace Patriot systems in Germany.

"System PDR is the most significant milestone to date for the MEADS program," said MEADS International President Jim Cravens. "We’ve demonstrated to our customer that the basic design of MEADS is ready to move forward into detailed design. Every member of the MEADS team knows how important it is to provide improved air and missile defense protection to our future Warfighters, and how our basic design supports those efforts."

The level of technical detail of the PDR was unprecedented, reflecting the importance and complexity of this next-generation air and missile defense system, and the expectations of three sponsoring governments. Over the six-month period leading to the summary event on December 18, transatlantic review teams attended 27 multi-day design reviews to ensure that the needs of the three nations are being met.

NAMEADSMA Deputy General Manager Bernd Fleissner congratulated the entire MEADS team of MEADS International (MI), NAMEADSMA and the national representatives for their excellent work leading up to the successful system PDR activities, and encouraged the participating organizations to sustain the spirit of cooperation as the program addresses CDR challenges over the next two years.

MI Executive Vice President Axel Widera said, "As part of our shared commitment to this critical system, MI and NAMEADSMA are ensuring that MEADS features and capabilities are implemented in a manner that meets each nation’s interests and operational environment. We are proud of the cooperative effort that has gone into meeting this goal."

MEADS is a mobile Air and Missile Defense System that will incorporate the hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missile in a system that includes 360-degree surveillance and fire control sensors, netted-distributed battle management/communication centers and high-firepower launchers. The system will combine superior battlefield protection with extensive flexibility, allowing it to protect maneuver forces and to provide selected critical assets for homeland defense against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft.

When completed, MEADS will be the only Air and Missile Defense System able to roll off tactical transports with the troops and begin operations almost immediately. More importantly, its open architecture will provide for 21st century Air and Missile Defense system-of-system integration capabilities that allow operational mission-tailoring for homeland defense or defense of maneuver forces in various theaters countering air-breathing and tactical missile threats. MEADS is intended to provide significant operation and support cost savings.

A multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, FL, MEADS International’s participating companies are MBDA in Italy, LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin in the United States. Together, these companies have focused an international engineering team in Orlando to develop systems and technologies for the MEADS program, which is closely watched as a model for collaborative transatlantic development. The United States funds 58 percent of the MEADS program, and European partners Germany and Italy provide 25 percent and 17 percent respectively as partners in the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Organization (NAMEADSMO). Its program management agency, NAMEADSMA, is located in Huntsville, AL.

Image Credit: Lockheed Martin

Source: Lockheed Martin

Permalink: http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/lockheed_martin/p243_08.html

Time Stamp: 2/11/2008 at 9:25:01 AM CST