Lockheed Martin -- Add GPS Demonstration Signal to Modernized Satellite

Lockheed Martin Team Shifts Into Production Effort to Add GPS
Demonstration Signal to Modernized Satellite
4 September 2007
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/Newsletter/090407.doc

A Lockheed Martin led team has begun production activities to
reconfigure a modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS
IIR-M) satellite to include a new demonstration payload that will
temporarily transmit a third civil signal following a successful
review with the Air Force.

Lockheed Martin and its navigation payload supplier ITT, Clifton,
N.J., are proceeding on-schedule under a $6-million contract awarded
by the Air Force in April 2007 to develop and integrate a payload
that will provide an on-orbit demonstration capability for the new
civil signal.

The signal, located on the L5 frequency (1176.45MHz) will comply with
international radio frequency spectrum requirements. Future
generations of GPS spacecraft will include an operational third civil
signal to improve the accuracy and performance capabilities of the
system. The Block IIR-M spacecraft with the demonstration payload is
planned for launch in 2008.

"Working closely with our Air Force partner, our team has achieved a
design approach that is truly responsive to the needs of our
customer," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of
Navigation Systems. "We have already shifted our focus to the
critical work ahead and have high confidence that we will
successfully delivery this important demonstration capability next
year."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Valley Forge, Pa., is the prime
contractor for the GPS IIR program. The company designed and built 21
IIR spacecraft for the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and
Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

The final eight spacecraft, designated GPS IIR-M, were modernized to
enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and
civilian GPS users around the globe. ITT supplied all 21 navigation
payloads for both the IIR and IIR-M spacecraft.

The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness and
precision weapon guidance for the military. The worldwide system also
supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions
-- from air traffic control to the Internet -- with precision
location and timing information.

"This is a great example of Lockheed Martin's systems integration
capabilities," said Rick Ambrose, vice president of Lockheed Martin's
Surveillance and Navigation Systems line of business. "Our team came
up with a design using proven technology to minimize the program and
cost risks, and is on a solid path to demonstrate this important
capability for our Air Force customer."

Lockheed Martin has a legacy of successfully upgrading space
programs. In addition to the modernization of the Block IIR program,
the company provided progressively advanced upgrades to the Air
Forces' Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), and military
satellite communications programs such as the Milstar and Defense
Satellite Communications System (DSCS).

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
2006 sales of $39.6 billion.