Lockheed Martin is joining TRW and Telecom Italia to develop a $3.6 billion global broadband multimedia and Internet satellite system. Lockheed will invest $400 million in the new Astrolink system, while Telecom and TRW will each contribute $250 million.
The first satellite is planned for 2002 and three more will be launched every six months thereafter, to provide worldwide service. Astrolink will compete with the Hughes-led Spaceway and Loral-Alcatel Cyberstar systems.
Source: Flight International
