New Space Software, GPS III Advances Among Company Annoucements
In Paris
Lockheed Martin Chairman, President
and CEO Bob Stevens has told a group of journalists that as the
global security environment becomes more complex, and the
definition of "security" evolves, the answer to the challenges lies
in the ability to form strong, healthy global partnerships.
Stevens, speaking at the company's media dinner on the eve of
the Paris Air Show, made a forceful case for open, integrated
transatlantic partnerships as an essential part of global security.
"At Lockheed Martin," he said, "we recognize that global security
is human security." Pointing to persistent and diverse worldwide
challenges including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, piracy and
cyber attacks--as well as growing concern over the sustainability
of the planet's environment and the downturn in world
economies--Stevens told the group: "Our fates and fortunes are
linked, as peoples, countries and regions."
Stevens said the challenge is not only redefining what "global
security" means but also considering how the challenges of global
security will best be met. "To meet the demands that we face
together, we must work together, and that means global markets must
remain open, and global partnerships must remain healthy and
mutually beneficial," he said.
Lockheed also had a couple of product announcements on the
opening day of The Paris Air Show. The final block of a new flight
software architecture that will provide highly reliable spacecraft
command and control operations for the Space-Based Infrared System
(SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite constellation has been
delivered. The SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning
of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions
including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace
awareness.
The SBIRS GEO fault management system responds when an anomaly
is detected during on-orbit operations, putting the satellite into
a safe state while operators on the ground analyze the situation
and take corrective action.
And Lockheed Maritn announced that the team team developing the
U.S. Air Force's GPS III program has entered the Critical Design
Review (CDR) stage on-schedule, an extensive phase that precedes
production of the next-generation satellite system.
Over the next year, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, along with
industry partners ITT and General Dynamics will conduct 70
individual CDRs for key GPS III spacecraft subsystems, assemblies
and elements. The phase will culminate in the fall of 2010 with a
final Space Vehicle CDR that will validate the detailed GPS III
design to ensure it meets warfighter and civil requirements.
"Our GPS III team continues to execute on schedule, on budget,
and is rapidly moving forward in the Critical Design Review stage
of this vitally important program," said Dave Podlesney, Lockheed
Martin's GPS III program director. "We look forward to an efficient
and thorough CDR focused on operational excellence and mission
success for our customer and GPS users worldwide."