It would appear that defense megalith Lockheed Martin is having a rough week, sort of.
First, there was the updated report that Lockheed's recently launched spy satellite -- which hasn't been communicating for months now -- is a goner, according to Reuters:
*The experimental L-21 classified satellite, built for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, was launched successfully on Dec. 14 but has been out of touch since reaching its low-earth orbit. *
Limited data received from the satellite indicated that its on-board computer tried rebooting several times, but those efforts failed, said one official, who is knowledgeable about the program and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The satellite carried sophisticated cameras to take high-resolution pictures and test equipment intended for use on the broader Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) program, in which both Boeing Co. and Lockheed are involved.
There was also the news that the Air Force isn't happy with the company's work on the presidential helicopter (note to company: did anybody mention this copter was for the president?).
Things in the naval arena aren't looking so hot either -- since the Navy is saying they may cancel Lockheed's big contract for the Littoral Combat Ship (designed to do battle in shallow waters).
Don't feel too bad for Lockheed, however. The company not only remains the top Pentagon contractor this year, according to an official list released this week, but its defense business is growing substantially.
Happy Friday.
