Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

[Via Satellite 05-29-2014] Lockheed Martin made a definitive agreement with Astrotech Corporation to acquire the company’s Astrotech Space Operations (ASO) business for $61 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2014, and once closed, Astrotech Space Operations will be managed by Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems business arm.

“Astrotech Space Operations’ expertise in the final stages of launch preparation complements our existing capabilities in satellite design, production and integration,” said Marillyn Hewson, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin. “This new capability expands our Space Systems services portfolio and enhances the value we offer to current and future Lockheed Martin and Astrotech customers.

ASO has more than 300 successful missions to date, and provides its customers with all necessary support and spacecraft processing prior to a launch. The company serves a range of both government and commercial customers, both in the United Stations and internationally.