Lockheed Martin Space Systems has aligned its Commercial Space Systems unit within the company's Global Communications Systems business, a new organizational structure designed to enhance synergies and efficiencies in providing advanced communications solutions to government and commercial customers around the globe.

As prime contractor for the world's most advanced and secure defense communications systems serving the U.S. and allies around the globe, the Global Communications Systems (GCS) business leads the development of critical military satellite communications programs to support the future battlefield.

These include the Advanced Extremely High Frequency program and the Mobile User Objective System, as well as on orbit support to the Defense Satellite Communications System III and Milstar systems. GCS is also leading the company's pursuit of the Iridium NEXT program, leveraging its successful partnership with Iridium in building and launching the original constellation.

Commercial Space Systems (CSS) designs, builds, and operates turnkey satellite systems for commercial customers in the space-based telecommunications market.

Commercial Space Systems has a backlog of satellites in production for customers including the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation of Japan and the recently awarded contract to build a second satellite for the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group.

CSS has over 50 years of heritage in commercial communications satellites and currently supports 37 A2100 spacecraft on orbit.

Joseph M. Rickers has been named president for Commercial Space Systems in Newtown, Pa., providing executive leadership for new business capture and design, development, production, and on-orbit support of satellites and related systems for commercial customers worldwide. He succeeds Marshall Byrd, who is retiring after a 31-year career with Lockheed Martin.

"This integrated business reflects the significant synergy between our commercial and government programs," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems. "I am confident this alignment will provide added efficiency and generate better value for both our government and commercial satellite communications customers."

During his 25-year career with Lockheed Martin, Rickers has progressed through a series of increasingly responsible positions, most recently serving as director of program management for Space Systems Company, working across its broad program portfolio.

In prior leadership roles, Rickers held several positions with Commercial Space Systems including program director for the entire portfolio of commercial spacecraft programs.

"I am excited to return to Commercial Space Systems where I had established many relationships with commercial customers worldwide" said Rickers.

"I want to personally thank Marshall Byrd for all he has achieved at Commercial Space Systems and I wish him the very best. With an excellent product in the A2100 spacecraft and an impressive record of mission success, we look forward to achieving additional efficiencies that benefit our commercial customers in the new Global Communications Systems organization."