Lockheed expands U.K. presence with new space center

Lockheed Martin plans to open a space technology office in the United Kingdom in order to explore partnership opportunities with U.K. businesses and universities.

Based at the U.K. Space Gateway in Harwell, Oxford, the space technology office will serve two purposes: first, it will support the United Kingdom’s goal of maintaining and growing its national space capabilities, and second, the center will expand Lockheed Martin’s relationship with the U.K. supply chain, the company said in a release.

The center will focus on environmental monitoring, space exploration, global security and small communications satellites.

Lockheed Martin discussed its international strategy in a 2014 Top 100 interview. In 2014, the company captured the No. 1 spot for the 20^th year in a row.

Lockheed Martin’s announcement to open the office also coincides with Northrop Grumman’s efforts to expand its presence in Australia. The two companies have had their eyes set overseas for new opportunities.