Lockheed Martin has been granted an authorization to proceed (ATP) by the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) of Japan to build its next geostationary telecommunications satellite. Designated BSAT-3a, the 1.8-kW satellite will provide direct broadcast services throughout Japan following its scheduled launch the second quarter of 2007. B-SAT and Lockheed Martin expect to sign the contract for this satellite in the next few weeks.

BSAT-3a will comprise eight 130W Ku-band channels and will be located at 110 degrees East longitude. With a design life of over 13 years, BSAT-3a is based on the award-winning A2100A platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa. BSAT-3a marks the 12th Lockheed Martin satellite ordered in the 1- to 4-kW small-class satellite range.

BSAT-3a is the third satellite order awarded to Lockheed Martin this year. In January, Nordic Satellite AB (NSAB) awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to build their next geostationary direct broadcast satellite, designated SIRIUS 4. SES AMERICOM recently awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to build AMC-18, another satellite based on the A2100A which serves the 1- to 4-kW range.

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 payload configurations, 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.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

Media Contacts: Dee Valleras, 215-497-4185; e-mail, dee.valleras@lmco.com

For more information about Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, see our web site at http://www.lmcommercialspace.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin