LOCKHEED MARTIN has signed a contract with Japan's Space Communications (SCC) to launch the Superbird C communications satellite on an Atlas 2AS booster from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 1997.
SCC, which is a joint venture of 28 Mitsubishi companies, operates two Superbirds, A1 and B1, which were launched by Ariane 4s in 1992. Superbirds A and B were lost in 1989 and 1990, in orbit and by a launch failure, respectively.
Lockheed Martin, has sold 48 Atlas launches since the programme was commercialised in 1986, with 24 yet to be performed, including 19 commercial and five US Air Force missions. One of the USAF missions will lift off on 26 July, carrying a Defence Satellite Communications System 3 satellite.
Source: Flight International
