Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) has successfully completed the realignment of its business structure and is kicking off the new year well positioned to build on the new satellite orders it received in 2001.
The company is also gearing up for a string of launch activity in the first quarter of this year, beginning with the liftoff of EchoStar VII for EchoStar Communications Corp.
LMCSS wrapped up 2001 with several new orders from customers worldwide for its award-winning “configure to order” A2100 satellite series, including satellites from long-time customers, SES Americom and Telesat Canada. LMCSS also added to its customer base with the award of a contract from Cablevision Systems Corp. to build an A2100 geosynchronous satellite.
The Ku-band satellite, which has successfully completed its Critical Design Review, will provide multiple spot beam coverage for direct broadcast services to the Continental United States following its scheduled launch in the first quarter of 2003.
In addition to pursuing several new business opportunities to build on a solid backlog of satellites, the Commercial Space team is preparing for several upcoming launches.
Following the launch of EchoStar VII aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas II rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., LMCSS will launch NSS-7 and NSS-6 satellites for New Skies Satellites and N-STAR c for NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest wireless telecommunications service provider.
In July 2001, LMCSS co-located its management, design and manufacturing operations at the company’s Newtown Pa. facility. The move is part of an aggressive realignment initiative to improve its competitive position in the marketplace by consolidating and streamlining the company infrastructure.
“These improved operational efficiencies, combined with our highly reliable A2100 satellite series, a solid backlog, and an impressive record of mission success, will allow us increased flexibility in dealing with the fast paced commercial satellite industry,” said Ted Gavrilis, president, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems.
“I commend our team for their unwavering commitment to providing world class, high-performance spacecraft for our customers. I look forward to building on the excellent progress we’ve made and continuing our 100 percent mission success record in 2002.”
Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems builds the A2100 for customers worldwide for direct broadcast, mobile wireless, broadband and fixed service applications.
