Space

Lockheed Martin Delivers Major Milestone on SBIRS-High Program

Denver, CO, December 5th, 2003 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully completed initial delivery of the Integrated Training Suite (ITS), which will provide high fidelity training for operational crews working at the Space-Based Infrared System High (SBIRS-High) Mission Control Station (MCS) at Buckley Air Force Base. This on schedule delivery represents a major Department of Defense designated milestone and upon completion of planned upgrades, will provide enhanced capability to the existing system. Air Force Space Command will begin using the training center developed by Lockheed Martin to instruct military personnel to operate the ground control station responsible for the nation's missile warning and other functions.

"ITS is an essential component that will enable the government to reap the full benefits of the SBIRS-High ground and space assets, and is a critical element in obtaining successful operational and system effectiveness on this program. We were committed to delivering a training suite that matches our system delivery and our customer's continuing needs," said Rick Ambrose, vice president Space Systems Company, Lockheed Martin.

The SBIRS-High program, developed by the Department of Defense, provides significant improvement in the early missile warning detection and reporting system, which will eventually replace the existing Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites. This system provides a critical element in the security of the United States, its allies and troops deployed today.

The SBIRS-High Mission Control Station is a complex ground system and the ITS simulates its mission, as an aircraft simulator would do for training aircraft pilots. Three critical segments of the MCS are represented in the ITS system infrared detection of missile launches; on-board satellite systems that process and transmit the data, and assess satellite health and performance; and global relay stations that receive and transmit early missile warning data to generate reports for Space Command. Reports provide the missile type, launch point, time and azimuth, and predicted impact point.

This vital training, in a simulated environment, enhances the training of Air Force crews as they conduct critical strategic and theater missile warning missions. Air Force personnel obtain operational training in essential procedures and real-world scenarios, enabling them to move confidently into a true operational environment.

As with most military systems, the ITS will receive incremental updates to accommodate customer needs, improved user capability and the launch of new satellite systems.

In addition to an early missile warning system, SBIRS-High improvements will provide new capabilities to influence the battlefield in near real-time, providing the regional commanders with batttlespace characterization, technical intelligence and missile defense cueing. SBIRS-High ground systems are being used today successfully with DSP satellites to protect U.S. and allied interests around the globe.

Tierney Helmers, 720-622-5125, email, tierney.helmers@lmco.com