A U.S. Air Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) built by Lockheed Martin was launched successfully today aboard a Delta IV launch vehicle representing the first mission for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. The satellite, designated DSCS III A3, represents the third of four super high-frequency communications satellites to feature Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades, that will provide improved uninterrupted secure voice and high data rate communications to its Department of Defense users.

The satellite is the thirteenth of 14 built by Lockheed Martin Space & Strategic Missiles and will join 12 other DSCS satellites currently on orbit. The last DSCS III satellite, designated B6, will launch in summer 2003 and also feature the SLEP upgrades that provide increased downlink power and improved connectivity to its antennas.

"Lockheed Martin is extremely proud to provide another satellite to enhance the backbone of the U.S. military's global satellite communications capabilities," said Leonard F. Kwiatkowski, vice president, Lockheed Martin Space & Strategic Missiles in Sunnyvale. "This robust satellite will provide anti-jam, nuclear-hardened capabilities as well as uninterrupted high-data rate communications to support the DoD's global communications requirements."

In Oct. 2002, the first DSCS III satellite, A1, reached 20 years on orbit. DSCS III A1 was launched on Oct. 30, 1982 aboard a Titan 34D launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral. Each DSCS III satellite has a design life of 10-years. Several of the DSCS satellites on-orbit today have exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to perform with outstanding results. From the time the first DSCS III satellite was launched to today, the DSCS III satellite, also known as the " workhorse of the U.S. Military's SHF communications satellite network," has provided secure and reliable communications to soldiers, sailors and airmen around the globe.

Space & Strategic Missiles is part of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, headquartered in Denver, Colo., one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include space launch and 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.

CONTACT: Steve Tatum, +1-408-742-7531, or pager, +1-888-926-2912, or stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com, for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company