Lockheed Martin today announced that it has submitted its proposal to the U.S. Air Force for the Self-Awareness Space Situational Awareness (SASSA) program.

Under a $30-million contract scheduled to be awarded in late 2008, SASSA will consist of a technology demonstration payload that will provide tactical space situational awareness. SASSA is being developed to demonstrate the ability to build a standardized threat warning system and communicate relevant information to operators on the ground.

The bid was submitted on May 1 to the Space Superiority Systems Wing of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. and leverages the company's strength and experience in developing advanced space-based sensors and technologies for the U.S. military and civil government customers.

"Space situational awareness is a top priority for our customer and Lockheed Martin is proud to support this important initiative," said Phil Bowen, director of Surveillance and Intelligence Systems at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "We have offered a solid technological solution and are well-equipped to help the Air Force achieve successfully achieve their SASSA objectives."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.

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 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Media Contact: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531;

e-mail, Stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin