BETZDORF, Luxembourg, May 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center has contracted ND SatCom for portable satellite communication terminals.

ND SatCom, a subsidiary of Luxembourg-based direct-to-home satellite system provider SES Astra, was among seven companies awarded contracts for SatCom terminals. Officials say the initial contract is worth $51 million for ND SatCom.

The contract, from the South Carolina-based SPAWAR operations, marks the first major defense contract ND SatCom has been awarded in the United States.

"The importance of this contract is that, for the first time in our history, we now have the status of being a recognized defense contractor in the U.S., which will complement our existing and successful installations with other government entities in our served market," Christopher Morris, ND SatCom president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"This represents a milestone achievement for ND SatCom in the U.S. market, and demonstrates our commitment to supplying high quality terminals for the government and military."

Officials say if all options are exercised, the SPAWAR contract could be worth up to $289 million over five years.