• Forum
• SITREP
• Military
• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security

• Space

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Public Eye

Lockheed Martin Launch Range System Demonstrates Advanced Capabilities During First Launch of Atlas V

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL, October 29th, 2002 -- Lockheed Martin's next-generation spacelift range automation system passed a key operational milestone with the recent first launch of the Atlas V rocket. The Range Standardization and Automation Phase IIA (RSAIIA) system, developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force, successfully demonstrated advanced telemetry, networking, video and data feed capabilities while monitoring the latest Atlas rocket on its maiden voyage. The RSAIIA system is currently in development to replace aging tracking, telemetry and information systems at both the Eastern Range's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Western Range's Vandenberg Air Force Base. An integrated system that brings new capabilities to launch operations, the RSAIIA system tracked the Atlas vehicle with near-flawless precision.

"This new system gives the Air Force integrated, automated access to launch information while significantly reducing the total cost of ownership," said Terry Drabant, president of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems. "This launch was a crucial test of the system's readiness and capabilities, and it passed with flying colors. RSAIIA's outstanding performance validates the approach and the technology, and demonstrates that the system is ready to begin supporting Air Force launches on the Eastern Range and soon thereafter on the Western Range."

Among the improved system functionality demonstrated during the recent launch were network core, data, timing and video components. The video component enabled real-time video feed from cameras on-board the Atlas rocket that was broadcast at the Range Operations Control Center. In addition, the Centralized Telemetry Processing System and Flight Operations range safety system, two core elements of the RSAIIA system, also demonstrated excellent performance during operational testing.

The RSAIIA program consolidates and automates the critical range telemetry, tracking, safety and management systems that support Air Force space launches. The RSAIIA system will play a major role in ensuring safe, affordable and consistent access to space.

As the Corporation's lead enterprise for Information Superiority, Lockheed Martin Mission Systems serves customers including U.S. and international defense and civil government agencies. Mission Systems employs approximately 2,500 at primary facilities in Gaithersburg, Md., Colorado Springs, Colo., Santa Maria, Calif., and is a business unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Media Contact: Keith Mordoff, 301-240-5706; e-mail, keith.mordoff@lmco.com