Apollo Mission
Our Heritage in Space: Northrop Grumman's Vital Role in Apollo Mission Success

July 20, 1969: A historic day for America. While the world watched, astronaut Neil Armstrong took mankind’s first steps on the moon. Years later, as the breathtaking success of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission is remembered and celebrated, several heritage companies of today’s Northrop Grumman are recognized for the vital roles they played in the achievement. Read More

Our Space Capabilities

James Webb Space TelescopeSince the dawn of the space age, Northrop Grumman has put good ideas into orbit and beyond. From systems engineering, spacecraft manufacturing, precision sensors, space instrument design, ground stations development and orbiting space platforms, Northrop Grumman's space capabilities have transformed lofty concepts into high-flying realities for a wide variety of missions.

Earth Observation/Remote Sensing Earth Observation/Remote Sensing
From orbiting space platforms to precision sensors, the company’s remote sensing systems measure short- and long-term variations on the planet, enhancing knowledge of global weather and environmental trends.
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
Northrop Grumman provides the infrared payload, electronics and ground processing for the SBIRS mission data processor.
Satellite Communications Satellite Communications
Northrop Grumman is defining the architectures for tomorrow’s network-centric, data intensive, worldwide communications systems and the technologies - on-board digital processing, laser communications and advanced antennas – needed to make information on demand a reality.
Hemispherical Resonator Gyro Hemispherical Resonator Gyro
The proprietary Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG) operates in a vacuum, so it's at home in the vacuum of space.
Space-Based Surveillance Space-Based Surveillance
Northrop Grumman keeps America alert with systems that give the nation's monitoring capabilities a global reach.
Scalable SIRU™ Inertial Reference Unit for Space Scalable SIRU™ Inertial Reference Unit for Space
The high reliability Scalable SIRU™ ensures precision performance for critical space missions.
Space Science Space Science
Northrop Grumman spacecraft have supported NASA's quest for knowledge for more than four decades, exploring the space environment, mapping the skies and discovering deep space phenomena.
Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS)
JTAGS receives, processes and facilitates direct downloading of data from space-based sensors to counter the threat from Theater Ballistic Missiles.
Propulsion Systems Propulsion Systems
We have an extensive, distinguished record of propulsion firsts achieved over more than 50 years of propulsion development and production for U.S. defense, NASA and commercial customers.

Our Heritage in Space: Northrop Grumman's Vital Role in Apollo Mission Success

Technicians ready the Apollo Spacecraft’s Lunar Module Descent Engine (LEMDE), which landed the first astronauts on the moon in 1969. (Photo Northrop Grumman archives).July 20, 1969: A historic day for America. While the world watched, astronaut Neil Armstrong took mankind’s first steps on the moon. Years later, as the breathtaking success of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission is remembered and celebrated, several heritage companies of today’s Northrop Grumman are recognized for the vital roles they played in the achievement. Read More