Lockheed Martin and EADS Astrium have signed a teaming agreement to ensure interoperability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) III and the European Galileo Satellite Navigation programs.

As two of the world's leading space system suppliers, the companies will perform systems engineering and technical assistance tasks for each other in the areas of interoperability, integrity and optimisation of joint constellation performance. Additionally, the companies will offer reciprocal bids on operational hardware and software within the policy and export constraints of both programs.

"This opens a new dimension of co-operation between two of the world's leading technology companies in systems that will benefit consumers for decades as the Galileo and GPS III systems come on line," said Reinhold Lutz, EADS Senior Vice President for Earth Observation, Navigation & Science.

"We look forward to making our 30 years of GPS experience available to the Galileo program to maximise performance and utility for all users of satellite navigation when both Galileo and GPS III are in operation," added Marshall Keith, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions Vice President for International Programs.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com, www.space.eads.net/subsidiaries/eads-astrium