NEW YORK–As consolidation sweeps the global economy, the satellite and space industry will continue to follow suit with the formation of new consortia and individual corporate streamlining in hopes of maintaining a competitive edge, attendees at IIR’s 5th Annual Satellite Finance Conference here June 16.

“The intent of integration is to bring together all the services a company can offer under one umbrella in hopes of improving efficiency,” said Michael Marx, segment leader, aerospace and defense with Arthur D. Little Inc.

Recently, the aerospace giant Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] emerged from its streamlining and integration process where more than 22 cultures and capabilities were merged into one. “We ended up with the best of the best through this collective effort,” said Ted Gavrilis, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. “We now have learned that successful integration is fueled by continued improvements in cycle time.”

Furthermore, he said, companies such as Lockheed Martin that work with the government, succeed in integration efforts if a balance is maintained among the various government sectors.

“A symbiotic fusion between commercial and government satellite products and operations is key, and it has worked for Lockheed Martin,” Gavrilis added.