Lockheed Martin and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) will join forces to offer launch services using upgraded and modernised Athena rockets.

The second-generation vehicles, based on the flight-proven Athena I and II, can carry payloads up to 3,775lb to low Earth orbit and on lunar missions.

Using a 92in-diameter payload fairing, the vehicle provides services for a range of satellites and missions.

The two-stage Athena Ic and three-stage Athena IIc launch vehicles include a new Castor 30 upper-stage motor and upgrades to electronic systems.

Lockheed will provide mission management, payload integration and launch operations, while ATK will provide integrated vehicle propulsion, launch vehicle structures, booster integration and launch site operations.

The firms plan to offer Athena for launch services from 2012.