A U.S. Air
Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft with
significant performance upgrades has been shipped by prime contractor
Lockheed Martin Space Systems — Missiles & Space Operations to Cape
Canaveral Air Station, Fla., where it will be readied for a scheduled
launch in early 2003. Shipment of the latest DSCS satellite comes as
the first DSCS III spacecraft marks 20 years on orbit.

Designated DSCS III A3, the spacecraft represents the third of
four super high-frequency communications satellites to feature Service
Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades, that will provide improved
uninterrupted secure voice and high data rate communications to its
Department of Defense users.

This satellite, the thirteenth of 14, will join 12 other DSCS
satellites currently on orbit. The last DSCS III satellite, designated
B6, will launch in mid-2003 and also feature the SLEP upgrades that
provide increased downlink power and improved connectivity to its
antennas.

Later this month, the first DSCS III satellite, A1, will reach 20
years on orbit. DSCS III A1 was launched on Oct. 30, 1982 aboard a
Titan 34D launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral. Each DSCS III satellite
has a design life of 10-years. Several of the DSCS satellites on-orbit
today have exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to
perform with outstanding results.

From the time the first DSCS III satellite was launched to its
most recent launch on Oct.19, 2000 the DSCS III satellite, also known
as the ” workhorse of the U.S. Military’s SHF communications satellite
network,” has provided secure and reliable communications to soldiers,
sailors and airmen around the globe.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, headquartered in Denver,
Colo., is one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin
Corporation. Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and
operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil
and commercial customers. Chief products include space launch and
ground systems, remote sensing and communications satellites for
commercial and government customers, advanced space observatories and
interplanetary spacecraft, fleet ballistic missiles and missile
defense systems.

For more information about Lockheed Martin Space
Systems-Sunnyvale, see our website at http://lmms.external.lmco.com