The plan represents a partnership between Lockheed Martin's Space Systems and Technology Services companies, the State of Mississippi, Hancock County, and NASA.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems will operate the Propulsion and Thermal functions of the Center. Lockheed Martin Technology Services will be responsible for the Metrology portion of the Center.

Both will be housed in the same facility, with construction to start soon and operations expected to begin in the Fall of 2001. Approximately 270 jobs will be created at the center. These jobs reflect the projected needs of the two Lockheed Martin companies and their potential suppliers.

"We are proud to partner with the State of Mississippi in creating new jobs for the 21st Century," said Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Officer, Vance Coffman.

"This Center of Excellence will allow the Corporation to achieve economies of scale by serving multiple sites with standard processes and strategic partnerships with our suppliers. I want to thank all those involved in making this a reality."

"We are excited about the opportunity to work cooperatively with the State of Mississippi and NASA on a project that will bring high-tech jobs to the region and allow us to better serve our customers," said Albert E. Smith, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "We have been pleased by the warm reception and constructive business climate in the state, and look forward to moving ahead on this initiative."

Added Mike Camardo, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Technology Services, "We appreciate the support of Mississippi, Hancock County, and NASA officials for a project that will consolidate world class metrology expertise to serve our corporation and a growing base of customers in government and commercial markets. It is a win-win for Lockheed Martin and the people of Mississippi."

Activities performed in the approximate 220,000-square-foot center will include the production of propulsion systems, such as thrusters, used for satellites and other spacecraft produced by Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

The thermal control systems produced at the facility will protect space vehicles from the extreme temperatures of the space environment. These systems include thermal "blankets," heat pipes, radiators, and engine heat shields.

Metrology refers to the science of measurement, and this center will be responsible for the highest level of "primary standards" in the extremely precise calibration of test equipment and tools. The Metrology Center, located within the same facility, will be operated by Lockheed Martin Technical Operations, an operating unit of Lockheed Martin Technology Services.

The State of Mississippi and Hancock County will partner with Lockheed Martin in the specialized training required for those hired to work at the center. Lockheed Martin officials cited the proximity to NASA's propulsion center of excellence -- also based at Stennis -- as critical to the decision to consolidate its world class capabilities in one place. The result will be better service to the Corporation's customers.

"Being very near to a related facility operated by one of our most important customers will allow for close communications and faster response," Smith said.

The new center combines satellite propulsion activities to support the Space Systems Company's principal sites including operations in Sunnyvale, CA and Denver, CO.