New Space Software, GPS III Advances Among Company Annoucements In Paris

Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Bob Stevens has told a group of journalists that as the global security environment becomes more complex, and the definition of "security" evolves, the answer to the challenges lies in the ability to form strong, healthy global partnerships.

Stevens, speaking at the company's media dinner on the eve of the Paris Air Show, made a forceful case for open, integrated transatlantic partnerships as an essential part of global security. "At Lockheed Martin," he said, "we recognize that global security is human security." Pointing to persistent and diverse worldwide challenges including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, piracy and cyber attacks--as well as growing concern over the sustainability of the planet's environment and the downturn in world economies--Stevens told the group: "Our fates and fortunes are linked, as peoples, countries and regions."
 
Stevens said the challenge is not only redefining what "global security" means but also considering how the challenges of global security will best be met. "To meet the demands that we face together, we must work together, and that means global markets must remain open, and global partnerships must remain healthy and mutually beneficial," he said.

Lockheed also had a couple of product announcements on the opening day of The Paris Air Show. The final block of a new flight software architecture that will provide highly reliable spacecraft command and control operations for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite constellation has been delivered. The SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The SBIRS GEO fault management system responds when an anomaly is detected during on-orbit operations, putting the satellite into a safe state while operators on the ground analyze the situation and take corrective action.

And Lockheed Maritn announced that the team team developing the U.S. Air Force's GPS III program has entered the Critical Design Review (CDR) stage on-schedule, an extensive phase that precedes production of the next-generation satellite system.

Over the next year, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, along with industry partners ITT and General Dynamics will conduct 70 individual CDRs for key GPS III spacecraft subsystems, assemblies and elements. The phase will culminate in the fall of 2010 with a final Space Vehicle CDR that will validate the detailed GPS III design to ensure it meets warfighter and civil requirements.

"Our GPS III team continues to execute on schedule, on budget, and is rapidly moving forward in the Critical Design Review stage of this vitally important program," said Dave Podlesney, Lockheed Martin's GPS III program director. "We look forward to an efficient and thorough CDR focused on operational excellence and mission success for our customer and GPS users worldwide."

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com