Lockheed Martin modernized A2100 satellite completes propulsion subsystem manufacturing and delivery

DENVER. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) engineers have completed the propulsion subsystem – a unique electrical and liquid hybrid – for the first modernized A2100 satellite. The subsystem is integral to the spacecraft, helping raise the satellite into orbit after launch and keeping it on station throughout its mission life.

The propulsion subsystem – a hybrid of electrical and liquid technology – was built at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Stennis, Mississippi, and then shipped to Denver, Colorado, for assembly and integration into the larger spacecraft.

A streamlined design has lowered part counts on the subsystem and reduced production time and cost. The new design uses flight-proven Hall Current Thrusters and modernized chemical thrusters to provide a flexible, low-risk approach for increased capability, resilience, and reliability.

“This delivery marks another milestone in bringing the modernized A2100 into orbit,” says Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin. “Now that we’re in final assembly, you can truly see our investment in the modernization program paying off for a variety of mission users.”

This first propulsion system is for Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1, a satellite for Arabsat and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. The satellite will provide advanced telecommunications capabilities, including television, Internet, telephone, and secure communications, to customers in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The satellite is slated for launch in 2018.

Lockheed Martin is building five modernized A2100 satellites for a host of missions and customers around the globe.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 96,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.

Search the Aerospace & Defense Buyer's Guide

Intelligent Aerospace, the global aerospace technology network, reports on the latest tools, technologies, and trends of vital importance to aerospace professionals throughout the industry and around the globe, including engineers, engineering managers, and other key decision-makers involved in the research & development, design, test, manufacture, maintenance, upgrade and retrofit, management, and acquisition of electronics hardware and software components, tools, and systems for commercial and military fixed-wing, rotor-wing, and unmanned aircraft, air traffic control, airport operations, satellites, and space.