Teledesic has signed a launch contract with Lockheed Martin and concluded a system agreement with Motorola for its global, broadband Internet-in-the-sky satellite communications network.
Teledesic's contract with Lockheed Martin calls for the lift-off of three Proton M and three Atlas V launches, carrying multiple Teledesic satellites per mission, with options for five additional launches on each. The missions are planned from 2001.
Lockheed Martin markets the Proton M and Atlas V through International Launch Services, Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services and Lockheed Krunichev Energia International.
The Teledesic deal, the terms of which are undisclosed, is the first commercial sale of the Atlas V.
The signing of the system agreement with Teledesic prime contractor Motorola follows more than a year of detailed design work. Motorola is responsible for leading the engineering and construction of the network. The contract is dependent on the system meeting Teledesic's requirements following a final technical review period.
Motorola has made a $150 million cash payment to Teledesic as part of its previously announced investment in the company, while Teledesic has made a down payment of $250 million to Motorola for its work as prime contractor.
Source: Flight International
