Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services (LMCLS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, has been selected by the Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes, a government agency of Mexico, to provide commercial launch services using the Atlas V launch vehicle for Mexico's Morelos-3 communications satellite (also known as MEXSAT-2). The launch is scheduled to occur as early as 2015 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Morelos-3 will be the third of three communications satellites that comprise the MEXSAT communications satellite system. MEXSAT is a constellation of satellites owned by Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes and operated by Telecomunicaciones de Mexico that delivers advanced telecommunications throughout Mexico.

"We are extremely pleased to be selected for this vital mission that will provide the government of Mexico with world class Atlas launch services for the Morelos-3 satellite, supporting the nation's growing satellite communications needs," said Robert R. Cleave, President, Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services.

Lockheed Martin is the exclusive provider of commercial Atlas rockets. With dedicated launch sites, unparalleled orbital insertion accuracy, and 110 consecutive successful launches to date, Atlas is unmatched for performance, reliability and schedule assurance in meeting global satellite customer needs.

The MEXSAT program provides communications to rural zones as a complement to other networks and will also provide secure communications for Mexico's national security needs. Satellite services include education and health programs, voice, data, video, and internet services.