The first two Lockheed Martin A2100 commercial satellites built in Jefferson County will be for Arabsat, the Saudi Arabia-based satellite operator founded by the 30 member states of the Arab League.
Lockheed Martin will also work closely with the Saudis to help them develop a space program.
The $650 million Saudi contract, signed April 9 with Lockheed Martin and French commercial launch provider Arianespace, includes the manufacture, launch and insurance coverage for both satellites, according to an Arabsat press release.
The contract also contains provisions for Lockheed Martin to work jointly with Arabsat, Saudi Arabia-based King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and TAQNIA Space Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Technology Investment and Development Company (TAQNIA), to “explore future design, manufacture, assembly and integration of satellites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and “develop talent and infrastructure that will support space capabilities and services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
KACST president, His Highness Prince Turkey Bin Saud Bin Mohammed, said Lockheed Martin’s reputation was a key factor in the decision.
“Lockheed Martin’s proven record of developing and delivering state-of-the-art space communications capabilities will ensure the Kingdom’s critical telecommunications needs are met,” he said in a release. “KACST will elevate local satellite technologies competency through the Joint Venture with Lockheed Martin and TAQNIA Space Company.”
KASCT will serve as a technology partner to the joint venture “leading research and development efforts that will support new innovations for future Saudi Arabian space endeavors,” according to Lockheed Martin.
At the core of the deal is providing better service for Saudi consumers, said Mike Hamel, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Commercial Space.
“This is a great step forward to support both Arabsat and the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to provide consumers and commercial customers with robust communications resources,” Hamel said.
The first satellite built will be for Hillasat — a subsidiary of Arabsat — and KACST; the second, for Arabsat exclusively. These two satellites, which will used in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, will bring Arabsat’s in-orbit fleet to 10.
“Arabsat 6A and Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 will join a fleet of satellites that provides millions of people access to TV, radio and broadband services for mobile and landline communications,” Arabsat CEO Khalid Balkheyour said. “We selected Lockheed Martin to build these satellites due to the impressive technical capabilities and proven track record of the A2100 satellite.”
Construction of the satellites will begin immediately on Lockheed Martin’s Waterton Canyon campus. The satellites, which are scheduled to be completed and launch in 2018, are designed for a 15-year-long service life.
Lockheed Martin last year announced the consolidation and relocation of its commercial space division to Colorado from Newtown, Pa. In doing so, the company pledged to create as many as 500 new high-paying aerospace jobs in Colorado over eight years in exchange for up to $15.5 million in state job-growth tax incentives.
According to the Jefferson County EDC, the company will spend about $263 million to expand the division, which is estimated to bring the county nearly $4.5 billion in economic and fiscal benefits over the next two decades.
Lockheed Martin employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide. About 5,500 people work on the Waterton Canyon Space Systems campus.
Laura Keeney: 303-954-1337, lkeeney@denverpost.com or
