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LOCKHEED MARTIN ATHENA LAUNCH OF IKONOS SATELLITE EXPERIENCED AN ANOMALY

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CA, April 27th, 1999 -- Lockheed Martin and Space Imaging have not successfully acquired telemetry signals from the IKONOS 1 satellite following its launch this morning by a Lockheed Martin Athena II rocket. The Athena was launched at 11:22 a.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Weather conditions for the launch were good and the countdown was normal. Lockheed Martin Astronautics built the Athena rocket and has begun an investigation into the anomaly. Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space built the satellite for Denver-based Space Imaging. There is nothing Lockheed Martin takes more seriously than mission success. We will apply whatever resources are necessary to lead the investigation and work closely with the Air Force, Space Imaging, Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, our Athena teammates and all other appropriate organizations to identify the cause of the anomaly and then determine, as quickly as possible, the appropriate corrective actions.

Any information about the Athena launch of the IKONOS 1 satellite will be released by Lockheed Martin Astronautics.

Evan McCollum 805-886-6015 (cell), or 1-888-617-1239 (pager), or Lockheed Martin Astronautics Communications in Denver at 303-977-5364.