In support of External Tank (ET) Return to Flight activities, Lockheed Martin as filled 125 new positions over the past several months, with recent college graduates making up about half of that number.

The new personnel have joined existing Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Michoud Operations teams working on such tasks as redesign of the ET bipod and flange areas, as well as backfilling for existing staff members already assigned to similar efforts.

"We are fully committed to supporting NASA's Return to Flight activities with all necessary resources," said Ron Wetmore, Lockheed Martin vice president, External Tank Program. "And we are making progress on the technical issues necessary to fly again in 2004."

Currently, Michoud Operations has 2,034 employees, primarily at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the ET is designed and assembled.

"These additional personnel will serve NASA well as we improve shuttle safety and reliability now and support new space initiatives in the future," added Wetmore.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems -- Michoud Operations designs and assembles large aluminum and composite structures for aerospace and other applications.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. A world leader in systems integration, Lockheed Martin is involved in a wide range of ballistic missile defense programs and activities for the U.S. and international government customers. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.