A Terran Orbital engineer constructs a satellite platform. Photo: Tyvak.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics awarded Terran Orbital Corporation a contract for three microsatellite class payloads in support of product demonstration. The contract announced Thursday includes three microsatellites, launch procurement, integration, and operations in support of the product demonstration.

Lockheed Martin and Terran Orbital did not specify the product, and financial terms were not disclosed. Daniel Markham, program director for Lockheed Martin Skunk Works said the project will allow Lockheed to “demonstrate enhanced capability in a series of key technology areas.” Skunk Works is the name for Lockheed’s Advanced Development Programs (ADP) department, and 85% of what the department does is classified for national security reasons. 

Lockheed is a strategic investor and partner of Terran Orbital, and Terran Orbital manufactures Lockheed’s 150 kg LM-50 bus.

“This contract award provides an exciting opportunity for the company to demonstrate our capabilities as a small satellite provider delivering cost-effective end-to-end solutions enabling missions,” said Marc Bell, CEO of Terran Orbital.

Earlier this week, Terran Orbital announced it is expanding its manufacturing capability in Irvine, California. The company signed a 10-year lease for a 60,000 square-foot commercial facility in Irvine, adjacent to its existing facility. 

Terran Orbital is in the midst of a special purpose acquisition (SPAC) deal to go public. SPAC shareholders plan to meet on March 22 to approve the business combination.