[SatNews] Lockheed Martin has selected Alaska's Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) as its dedicated...

...West Coast launch facility for Athena rocket launches. The company's decision will enable Alaska Aerospace Corporation to move ahead with plans to expand its space launch capabilities. Lockheed Martin has been working with the state of Alaska and Alaska Aerospace Corporation on expansion plans for the new medium-lift launch pad to support potential Athena III launches.

"Our nation needs affordable lift to meet current and projected demands at a time of declining budgets and economic pressures," said John Karas, vice president and general manager, Human Space Flight, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "The leadership demonstrated by Governor Sean Parnell by investing in space launch infrastructure is a model for our nation and provides tremendous incentive to partner with the state and expand the aerospace industry in Alaska."

Last year, Lockheed Martin announced its intent to offer Athena II services with a ride-share launch from Kodiak in late 2013. The company is positioned to expand the Athena II program as it continues to evaluate the business case for Athena III launches from Alaska. The Athena III would be capable of launching satellites weighing 4,600 kg (10,150 lbs) from the West Coast and 5,900 kg (13, 000 lbs) from the East Coast. Working with the Alaska Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin will finalize its plans for Athena III over the next few months.

The new medium-lift capability from Kodiak will enable the company to engage Alaska businesses as future suppliers benefiting the state and the Athena launch program, as well as the opportunity to engage future generations of engineers and scientists through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) outreach.