L-3 Communications Laser Rangefinder Passes Critical Tests in Advance of Orbital Express Satellite Integration.

NEW YORK -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that a laser rangefinder, designed and developed by its Advanced Laser Systems Technology (ALST) subsidiary, has passed a series of critical tests that are required prior to integrating the rangefinder with the Orbital Express Satellite System.

The Orbital Express Satellite System, conceived by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), consists of two satellites: an Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) servicing spacecraft; and NextSat, a modular next-generation serviceable "client satellite". The ALST laser rangefinder will be used on the ASTRO servicing spacecraft to determine the range between it and the NextSat.

The Orbital Express Demonstration System is scheduled to be launched in October 2006. The system will demonstrate for the first time:

--fully autonomous rendezvous out to over four miles with a capability that could support rendezvous at separation distances as great as 620 miles;

--soft capture and sub-meter range autonomous station keeping; and

--on-orbit refueling and component replacement, as well as other robotic operations.

The Orbital Express Satellite System will prove out the concept of a "robotic space tow truck", providing roadside assistance for other satellites in orbit.

"The advanced laser rangefinder that we're supplying for the Orbital Express Demonstration Program is another example of L-3's overall commitment to developing new technologies that will enable new and enhanced satellite capabilities," said Frank C. Lanza, chairman and chief executive officer of L-3 Communications. "These initiatives will support not only national security missions, but civil and commercial space applications as well."

A successful demonstration of the Orbital Express Demonstration System will provide the foundation for developing an operational system that can provide routine on-orbit servicing of existing satellites as well as future space assets. An operational version of Orbital Express could be deployed as early as 2009 - resulting in significant savings by extending the useful life of satellites in orbit, instead of replacing them.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.

To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.

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