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FIRST RETURN TO FLIGHT EXTERNAL TANK RETURNS TO VERTICAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING

NEW ORLEANS, LA, September 9th, 2004 -- In a major step toward returning the Space Shuttle to flight, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) loads ET-120, the first Return to Flight External Tank (ET) in Cell A of the Vertical Assembly Building at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where Liquid Hydrogen Tank/Intertank flange closeout work will be completed.

During routine ET production, tank components are vertically mated in Cell A. In order to complete retrofit work necessary to support NASA’s Space Shuttle flight schedule, ET-120 is the first flight tank to return to Cell A in the 31-year history of the program.

Four photographs of ET-120 being moved into the Vertical Assembly Building are available at http://www.lockheedmartin.com/michoud/rtf_media_wkshp/workshop_photos_index.htm

Lockheed Martin Space Systems -- Michoud Operations designs and builds the Space Shuttle External Tank for NASA and also assembles large aluminum and composite structures for aerospace and other applications in New Orleans.

Harry Wadsworth, 504-715-7078; e-mail, harry.wadsworth@maf.nasa.gov