PARIS, June 10, 1995 – Lockheed Martin, Khrunichev Enterprises and NPO Energia announced today the formation of a new company to market commercial Atlas and Proton launch services worldwide. ILS-International Launch Services-will ensure that customers receive full advantage of both products, from contract signing through on-orbit delivery.
With more than 450 Atlas and Proton space launch successes, the ILS heritage offers experience, reliability and affordability-and more launch schedule flexibility than any other company. The availability of these two highly reliable and independent launch vehicles and services will enable ILS to provide the highest possible assurance to the customer of on-time delivery of their satellites.
This new marketing company is the result of the merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta. Lockheed was part of a joint venture with Khrunichev and Energia for worldwide sales and program management for Proton launch services. Martin Marietta was producer of the family of Atlas launch vehicles.
“Combining Atlas and Proton marketing efforts while we continue to build on the relationship of mutual respect and trust with the Russians will allow us to provide world-class launch services for our customers,” said Dr. Vance D. Coffman, president and chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin’s Space and Strategic Missiles Sector.
The officers of the new marketing company are: Coffman, co-chair and CEO; James W. McAnally, president; Mike Wash, president, Atlas Division; and Charles Lloyd, president, Proton Division. ILS personnel will be knowledgeable and able to represent both launch vehicles.
“The heritage of these two products and the combined management expertise and experience provide a strong basis for our new marketing effort,” said Anatoli Kiselev, president, Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center. “We will be able to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services on the market today.”