A Lockheed Martin-led team has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the next generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) phase.

Data from NOAA's GOES spacecraft provide accurate real time advance weather warning products to the commercial, educational, and public sectors to protect lives, property and the environment, and to foster economic growth and promote educational research. The future GOES-R mission will improve the quality and timeliness of its forecasts, thereby generating significant economic benefits to the nation in the areas of weather and water, climate, ecosystems monitoring and management, and commerce and transportation.

The GOES-R proposal submitted builds on a successful Architecture Study by the Lockheed Martin team that encompassed work in four task areas: Space & Launch, Command, Control & Communications, Product Generation & Distribution and End-to-End Integration.

"In a partnership with NOAA we will mature the preliminary design for the GOES-R system and reduce risks so that NOAA will have a high performing, low- risk and affordable solution that will meet user needs today and in the future," said G. Thomas Marsh, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

"As the recognized national leader in space-based sensor integration for Earth remote sensing, planetary and astronomical research and intelligence missions; in low-risk geostationary spacecraft, and in high data volume command and control and data management; our team is ready to proceed to the PDRR phase and then seamlessly into the Acquisition and Operations phase of this critical national system," added Marsh.

The team assembled by Lockheed Martin brings together the best assets available across the corporation, and throughout industry and academia, providing the in-depth experience and capabilities necessary to successfully execute the GOES-R program.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company leads the GOES-R team, and within the corporation is joined by Integrated Systems & Solutions and Information & Technology Services. Industry and academic partners bring additional domain expertise and key enabling technologies to the Lockheed Martin team.

GOES is a critical part of the U.S. satellite constellation for environmental observations, along with the Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) polar orbiting satellites -- built by Lockheed Martin. GOES is the environmental satellite most familiar to the American public, as its images and time-lapse sequences are the primary visual material of television weather forecasts. The GOES system -- operational since 1975 -- plays a critical role in weather and environmental forecasting. In orbit high above the equator, GOES satellites are uniquely positioned to observe the development of hazardous weather, such as hurricanes and severe thunderstorms, and to track their movement and intensity so that major losses of life and property can be reduced or avoided.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include a full-range of space launch systems, including heavy-lift capability, ground systems, remote sensing and communications satellites for commercial and government customers, advanced space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft, fleet ballistic missiles and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corporation 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 Contact: Buddy Nelson, 510-797-0349; e-mail: buddynelson@mac.com

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company