Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LM) successfully delivered a telecommunications satellite into orbit this afternoon aboard an Atlas V rocket manufactured by United Launch Alliance. Liftoff on the Atlas V 421 configuration occurred at 4:12 p.m. EDT followed by spacecraft separation some 30 minutes later and signal acquisition at 45 minutes post launch.
The ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (Nasdaq: ICOG – News) G1 spacecraft, built by Space Systems/Loral, will deliver advanced nationwide mobile interactive media services to portable and handheld devices.
“ICO chose Atlas V for its reliability and its credibility in the marketplace,” said David Markham, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. “This launch also demonstrated the large payload capability and flexibility of the Atlas program that can be applied to the commercial and government markets.”
Over 27 feet tall, ICO G1 features a 12-meter unfurlable mesh S-band reflector, provides 16 kilowatts of power with solar arrays that span over 100 feet when deployed, and weighs in at approximately 6,634 kg fueled, making it the heaviest satellite ever launched aboard an Atlas V booster. The spacecraft will be located at 92.85 degrees west, providing ubiquitous coverage over the United States.
ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited is a satellite communications company developing an advanced next-generation hybrid media system, combining both satellite and terrestrial communications capabilities. ICO is deploying a mobile interactive media service known as ICO mim(TM). ICO mim(TM) will combine ICO’s unique interactive satellite capability with nationwide coverage to deliver a new level of navigation, enhanced roadside assistance and the ultimate mobile video experience, including 10-15 live channels of premium television content. ICO is based in Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.ico.com/.
Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, which markets and launches the Atlas V to commercial customers worldwide, is a unit of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.
