Lockheed Martin/Orbital Team Selected by Japan's NTT Mobile Communications Network to Negotiate N-Star c Geosynchronous Communications Satellite Contract - Government Activity

Cambridge Telcom Report, Oct 25, 1999

Orbital Sciences Corporation announced Wednesday that the team of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems and Orbital has been selected by Japan's NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc. for contract negotiations to build and launch NTT DoCoMo's N-STAR c geosynchronous communications satellite. The N-STAR c satellite will use Orbital's flight-proven STAR platform, is planned to be launched and delivered on orbit by the first quarter of 2002, and will provide S-band communications services to mobile users in Japan.

For this program, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Newtown, Pennsylvania, will work as prime contractor and payload supplier and integrator. Orbital will be responsible for providing the space system, including the satellite bus and related ground system, as well as procuring the launch vehicle and conducting initial satellite operations. Lockheed Martin and Orbital will jointly negotiate the N-STAR c contract, which is expected to be executed by the end of this year. Further details about the selection were not made available.

"The selection by NTT DoCoMo of the Lockheed Martin/Orbital team, using our state-of-the-art lightweight geosynchronous satellite bus, is another significant win for our company, following last year's BSAT-2a and 2b Direct Broadcast Satellites. Orbital has rapidly emerged as one of the world's first-tier suppliers of geosynchronous satellites," said Mr. Ricardo de Bastos, head of Orbital's communications satellite business unit. Mr. de Bastos continued his remarks, adding, "I am also pleased that our first teaming opportunity with Lockheed Martin resulted in an outstanding win for both companies. Together, we are committed to delivering the N-STAR c satellite on schedule for our customer."

Orbital is one of the largest space technology and satellite services companies in the world, with 1999 revenues targeted to exceed $900 million. The company, which is headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs over 5,200 people at its major facilities in the United States, Canada and several overseas locations. Orbital is the world's leading manufacturer of low-cost space systems and products, including geosynchronous and low Earth orbit satellites, launch vehicles, electronics and sensors, satellite ground systems and software, and satellite-based navigation and communications products. Through its ORBCOMM and ORBIMAGE affiliates and ORBNAV subsidiary, Orbital is also a pioneering operator of satellite-based networks that provide data communications, high-resolution imagery and automotive information services to customers all around the world.