EaglePicher wins U.S. military satellite contract

Battery giant EaglePicher Technologies has landed a new contract to provide nickel-hydrogen battery cells to Lockheed Martin for use on a new U.S. Navy satellite communications system.

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite constellation will form a new network of spacecraft for the U.S. Department of Defense to provide narrowband communication to a variety of handheld and fixed location terminals worldwide. The system is designed specifically to connect military personnel on the battlefield. The grid links all communications systems and provides real-time information and access to logistical support. The goal is to provide improved communication with forces on land, sea and in the air.

"Our first delivery of hardware is due in July of next year," said Ron Nowlin, EaglePicher Technologies Vice President and General Manager. "The contract value for this phase is approximately $1.8 million. We have been doing business with Lockheed Martin for over 25 years and value our relationship with them greatly."

MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system. Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale, California is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the MUOS program. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems in Chantilly, Virginia and its Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego, California are responsible for the MUOS program. The first MUOS satellite is scheduled for on-orbit hand over in 2010.

Many other military space programs developed by Lockheed Martin use EaglePicher nickel-hydrogen cells as a source of power. Others include Milstar, Advanced Extremely High Frequency, and Space Based Infrared System.

EaglePicher is a leading producer of batteries and energetic devices for the defense, space and commercial industries, and also sells its products to the automotive, commercial power, nuclear, semi-conductors, filtration, pharmaceuticals and medical markets.

For more information:

www.eaglepicher.com