London, February 14, 2024 – The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a research and development contract to provide a secure, open source, ground-segment software solution to task, monitor and control its future space capabilities.

The U.K. MOD’s BEROE programme will assist the MOD to understand how best to control its future ISTARI constellation of low orbit general purpose Earth observation satellites, further enhancing the U.K.’s multi-domain integration efforts.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside DE&S on this exciting project. Working collaboratively we were able to identify a solution that is a modular, flexible mission control system – based on commercial off-the-shelf open source software – which we’ve already proven on many of our military and commercial space missions.” said Nik Smith, UK and Europe regional director for Lockheed Martin

“This is a pivotal moment for UK Defence and the UK Space Sector as we develop software capabilities and strategic partnerships that will determine the future of how we manage our activities in space,” said Commodore David Moody, head of space capability, UK Space Command. “This project will help define and understand how we will control and optimise the use of our satellites in a safe and sustainable way, while also supporting the wider goal of enabling growth in the Space Sector to develop resilient space capabilities and services.”

Flexible, Agile Space Asset Ground Control

Lockheed Martin’s BEROE solution, which was officially awarded in the second half of 2023, leverages the investments made developing the company’s Integrated Multi-Mission Ground (IM2G) product. It is designed to support diverse space missions, orbital regimes and constellation sizes with mature, reconfigurable components and technologies within a hardened ground system.

At the heart of IM2G is the Lockheed Martin’s proven Compass™ Mission Planning and Horizon™ Command and Control (C2) software, which allows single satellite or entire constellation management, supporting fleets of similar or entirely different missions and satellite types.  

For the BEROE programme’s multi-phase procurement, the MOD is using its Rapid Agile Prototyping, Scaled for Operations (RAPSO) commercial framework, including a series of Agile software development releases, to be completed and demonstrated in 2025.

Lockheed Martin UK, the U.K.-based arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, has operated in country for nearly 80 years and employs 1,700 people at 22 sites. Our innovations and partnerships help solve some of the world's most complex challenges and contributes to the U.K.’s defence, security and prosperity. 

This new project aligns with one of Lockheed Martin UK’s core commitments, as part of its role as a key player in growing the UK’s space economy.

The company plays a vital part in both the protection and defence of the UK, providing its expertise to the Government’s Space Defence Strategy as well as creating new jobs in the space industry.

At the same time Lockheed Martin will be continuing to showcase the important role a robust space industry will play in protecting national interests, boosting sustainability and growing the economy.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

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Media Contact:

Jacqueline Lucas jacqueline.a.lucas@global.lmco.com /+44 (0) 7385005135

Communications Lead for Space in the UK

Lockheed Martin UK Space