If you would have told me when I was a young boy growing up on a Colorado dairy farm that I would get the opportunity to design, build and test rocket motors for a living, I never would have believed you.
Made It Possible: Brian Henwood and Electric Persistence
Facilities manager Brian Henwood reflects on installing Electric Vehicle charging stations at Northrop Grumman’s Azusa, California campus.
Meet Jasper: An Engineer and Artist Inspiring Young Budding Scientists
Jasper is an electrical engineer with Northrop Grumman and makes rocket-themed art and jewelry in her spare time, using the latest 3D printing technologies.
From Intern to Mechanical Design Engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope
Mei-Li joined Northrop Grumman as an intern. Today, she’s a mechanical design engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope, working on the mechanical ground systems engineering team.
Made It Possible: Arnie Lucas and Creating Opportunity Through Agility
After more than 30 years in the military, Arnie Lucas joins Northrop Grumman through the Skillbridge internship program.
Supercharged
Our Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research team is working to make this fantasy — transmitting solar energy from space to Earth — reality.
A Mindboggling Opportunity
Derrick first connected with Northrop Grumman virtually at the Great Minds in STEM conference, an initiative supported by the company’s educational outreach nonprofit, the Northrop Grumman Foundation.
Lessons from Dawn
Imagine that: laying on your back in a vehicle that’s going to land on the moon. I kept thinking, “I have to be part of this!”
Made It Possible: The SharkSat Team and Launching a Next Generation Workforce
After completing a three-month stay at the International Space Station hosted aboard the Cygnus spacecraft, SharkSat spent two weeks orbiting the Earth and transmitting valuable telemetry and performance data back to mission controllers.
Meet Kanavis: Ensuring Quality Over Quantity
Kanavis is the lead quality engineer with Quality Control Material Review authority for the Atlas V and the Space Launch Systems programs.
Made It Possible: Scott Mohrman and Seeing Stars
Capturing a once-in-a-lifetime shot of a solid rocket motor test underneath the Utah stars.
Space-Comm Expo
On 7th and 8th September at Space-Comm Expo, we’ll be joining over 100 exhibitors from across the world at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. Robert Hauge, President, SpaceLogistics LLC, a Northrop Grumman company will be talking about satellite life extension and resiliency in geostationary orbit at the event. The Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1), [...]Read More...
OmegA Rocket News
Read the latest news about Northrop Grumman's OmegA rocket.
OmegA Rideshare Opportunities
OmegA’s first and second missions in 2021 have supplemental launch capacity. Rideshare partners can take advantage of this capacity to launch their own satellites. Contact us for more information. OmegA provides multiple rideshare-compatible mounting locations and provisions. These include accommodations for CubeSat-class dispensers, larger dispensers (e.g. for 12U or microsats) and ESPA rings (Standard and [...]Read More...
Upcoming Events
Learn more about upcoming events featuring Northrop Grumman's OmegA rocket.
Need More Space?
From defending freedom, to advancing human discovery and connecting people across the globe, we're looking forward to sharing our space with you.
Executing Yellowfin: New Space Paradigms
Yellowfin is at the core of the New Space approach to SmallSat practices: the fundamental idea that satellites do not have to be large, expensive, and exquisite platforms that only rich governments can afford.
Omega Rocket Media: Images and Videos
Media Gallery | Rocket Heritage | Building OmegA | OmegA Suppliers | Rideshare OmegA Rocket Photo Gallery [modula id=”26388″] OmegA Rocket Videos Learn more about OmegA > [...]Read More...
Testing For Success: OmegA Rocket and Radiation Compatibility
By Brad Herron Space radiation scorches circuits, eats electronics and tortures terabytes. It is the single greatest threat to systems that operate in or travel through space. But does a rocket that will operate in a radiation-filled environment for no more than 12 hours really need the same expensive radiation hardened flight computer as a [...]Read More...
Northrop Grumman and Airbus Sign MOU
Northrop Grumman and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to address the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) military satellite communication system requirements as an integrated team. The combination of the experience, knowledge and capabilities of two of the world’s leading space companies will provide the MOD with optimal solutions for the space and [...]Read More...
Time Machine to the Cosmos
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) has been making history ever since it was propelled into space in December 2021, revealing never-before-seen details of the early cosmos. Referred to as a time machine, Webb’s powerful instruments use infrared vision to peer back over 13.5 billion years and view the earliest stars and galaxies.
Space Launch
We provide end-to-end space capabilities for a broad range of customers like NASA, the Department of Defense (DoD), US Air Force, US Space Force and a variety of commercial entities. Our launch capabilites will define possible in space.
Digital Engineering Triumph MEV Revitalizes Satellites in Space
Northrop Grumman is reimagining satellite services, creating a line of industrious spacecraft that refuel and repair satellites.
Xinetics Adaptive Optics Solutions – Products
Products [...]Read More...
Space Systems Additive Manufacturing
Northrop Grumman has been defining possible with space additive manufacturing for more than 20 years, leveraging diverse processes and metallic materials, offering significant advantages.
The Backplane of NASA’s Webb Telescope Offers a Strong, Steady Hand
The backplane of James Webb Space Telescope will hold the weight of more than 5,300 pounds of optics and instruments — while staying calm in a cold environment.
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
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Ground Subsystems Support Contract
Leveraging 65 years of proven performance and expertise from across legacy Northrop Grumman companies to ensure today’s Minuteman III system is safe, secure and reliable while positioning the Air Force for a smooth transition to the modernized replacement system, Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, over the next couple of decades.
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG 17
Northrop Grumman is proud to name the NG-17 Cygnus spacecraft after former astronaut Piers Sellers.
The Women of Artemis
The program is focused on establishing a sustainable human presence in deep space, including ultimately landing the first woman on the Moon. Here at Northrop Grumman, women are leading the way to help achieve this history-making first.
More Space
Read about Northrop Grumman's Innovation and Advanced Technology in Space.
ESPAStar
Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar platform provides a modular, cost-effective and highly capable infrastructure resource for hosting technology development and operational payloads.
Forensic Science in Aerospace Engineering
Forensic science can help aerospace operations foil failure and improve mission outcomes. Here's how.
The Beginning of Beyond: Artemis Rocket Testing Helps Propel the Next Giant Leap in Space Travel
An uncrewed version of NASA’s new heavy-lift Space Launch System (SLS) will be the first of several Artemis missions that will break boundaries and set records, returning us to the moon and ultimately preparing us for unprecedented exploration of deep space. [...]Read More...
Minotaur Rocket
Northrop Grumman integrates, tests and provides space launch services for the Minotaur I, IV, V, VI and C family of rockets.
NASA’s Artemis Program
Northrop Grumman supports Artemis by providing the solid rocket boosters for the NASA Space Launch System and the abort motor and attitude control motor for the Orion spacecraft’s Launch Abort System.
IEEE
Northrop Grumman is a great place to discover careers that change the world and further advancements in defense, technology and engineering.
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission-NG-15
Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft, launched aboard our Antares rocket, performs cargo resupply missions for NASA to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract.
Pegasus Rocket
[...]Read More...
Commercial Rocket Motors
With 60-plus years experience, Northrop Grumman leads in producing reliable and flight-proven solid rocket motors for civil, defense and commercial rockets and products. The CASTOR, Orion and GEM rocket motor families span a significant range of size and boost capability to support a variety of missions.
Commercial Communications Satellites
Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in the design and production of commercial satellites as well as in the incorporation of civil and military hosted payloads on commercial spacecraft.
Common Space Vehicle Mechanisms
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Chasing the Ionosphere
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, Jim Jones, a Northrop Grumman technical fellow based in Nebraska, had been modeling the ionosphere for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program, focused on producing a next-generation battlefield radio for U.S. service members who direct close air support for ground forces.
Counting Down 10 Rocket Launch Traditions, Superstitions and Lore
After transitioning to a project budget manager role, Daniela discovered her passion for project management and was introduced to the Lean-Agile methodology.
SMART Demo
Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) is a strategy for inserting industry informed and cutting-edge advancements into solid rocket motor design.
James Webb Space Telescope
As the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman led the industry team for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the largest, most complex and powerful space telescope ever built.
AOA Xinetics – Products – Adaptive Optical Systems
AO Xinetics - Products - Adaptive Optical Systems [...]Read More...
Space Symposium 2024
Northrop Grumman is a premier provider of space, ground and launch systems with deep mission expertise and end-to-end capabilities in national security, civil, and commercial systems.
ESPAStar: A Freight Train to Space
Northrop Grumman's ESPAStar platform enables secondary payloads to tag along with other missions, utilizing extra available space on launch vehicles, providing a modular and cost-effective spacecraft bus.
SharkSat Scales Up to Deliver Advanced Technology Demonstration
Northrop Grumman's SharkSat program scales up speed and specificity to deliver an advanced technology demonstration.
Minotaur NROL-111 Mission
Northrop Grumman's flight-proven Minotaur I Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) provides an extremely cost-effective, reliable and capable space solution for U.S. Government-sponsored spacecraft.
Counter Hypersonics
Northrop Grumman is working on groundbreaking solutions to help defeat modern hypersonic missiles in various phases of flight.
Digital Engineering and Human Factors Designing HALO
Northrop Grumman engineers are using digital engineering methods to design and test the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO).
Rocket Design Team Helps Launch New Space Opportunities
Northrop Grumman's rocket design team is always working to design more reliable, better priced and more innovative rockets for customers and for emerging opportunities.
Space
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space.
SLS FSB-1 Mission Page
The Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket booster is based on three decades of knowledge and experience gained with the space shuttle booster, and improved with the latest technology.
Head in the Clouds
Even the most advanced military technology and missions need help to withstand the elements and at Northrop Grumman, our atmospheric scientists are the in-house experts on weather and its potential impact on the U.S. military.
A New Era In Astronomy
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-20
Special deliveries 200+ miles up. That’s Defining Possible.
Scalable Space Inertial Reference Unit (SSIRU™) Family of Products
The Scalable SIRU™ family of products combines innovation and high reliability—with 100 percent mission success in more than 50 million on-orbit hours—for precision performance on space missions.
Civil and Commercial Space
Northrop Grumman's depth and breadth of mission experience in developing leading-edge space technologies allows us to play vital roles in the quest to answer compelling questions about the origins of our universe, to explore beyond our own planet, and pioneer new technologies.
Creating Zero G on a Planet Weighed Down by Gravity
By using weights, pulleys and other forms of ground support equipment (not to mention a deep understanding of physics), Northrop Grumman engineers can mimic, as much as possible, the weightlessness of zero G.
Preparing to Launch Landsat 9
Northrop Grumman fault management engineers consider all scenarios for Landsat 9, the next satellite in a 49-year history of documenting the Earth's surface.
Doing Business with CEO
Cutting Edge Optronics strives to provide the highest level of service and quality to our customers. The following is important information on our sales process and policies.
A Career in Orbit
On Jan. 31, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris awarded Doug and Bob the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for their meritorious efforts and contributions to America’s space programs throughout their NASA careers, including their roles in the Demo-2 mission. [...]Read More...
GEM 63XL Static Test
Building the world's largest monolithic solid rocket motor. That's Defining Possible.
Virtual Reality Brings Engineers to the Moon
Northrop Grumman engineers use virtual reality and 3D-printed models to step into astronauts' shoes and test the feasibility of procedures in the lunar module.
Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC)
Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications dynamically integrates and coordinates BMDS assets to increase system performance throughout the battlespace.
The Great Observatories
When it comes to solving the mysteries of the universe, Northrop Grumman has pioneered groundbreaking technologies from the very beginning of the Space Age. Our engineering and innovation have made possible a decades-long list of historic space missions to help humanity peer farther into the cosmos than ever before, including most recently with the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb).
Cutting Edge Optronics
Cutting Edge Optronics (CEO) is a leading manufacturer of high-power laser diode arrays, diode-pumped laser gain modules, and diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSLs).
Putting Critical Defense Systems to the Test
The U.S. defense industry is working to develop solutions that protect the homeland against missile threats.
Thermal Insulation
[...]Read More...
Water on Mars
Water on Mars? Thanks to innovative space deployable structures made by Astro Aerospace, we are learning more about the Red Planet every day.
Deformable Mirrors – Photonex Integrated Module
Surface Normal Deformable Mirrors provide superior stability with high spatial resolution, extremely low hysteresis, minimal creep and the material of choice for precision positioning.
Thwarting America's Enemies
The Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system is our country’s top defense against these types of threats; GMD uses a network of land, sea and space-based early warning sensors and fields of ground-based interceptor (GBI) missiles in Alaska and California to protect the United States from long-range ballistic missiles. The interceptors hit the enemy ICBMs in space, destroying them before they can do harm.
Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder
Our Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) is currently performing successfully on the Soumi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)-1 spacecraft, now known officially as NOAA-20.
Digital Modeling for Out-of-This-World Environments
Northrop Grumman engineers combined digital modeling with physical testing to predict how the James Webb Space Telescope -- the world's largest telescope -- will perform in space.
Minotaur Mission Update
Minotaur Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) provides an extremely cost-effective, reliable and capable space solution for U.S. Government-sponsored spacecraft. Follow this page for updates on our latest Minotaur Mission.
NASA’s Artemis Missions
Artemis I, the first integrated flight of the NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, assembled and launched by Exploration Ground Systems.
Communications Satellites
Northrop Grumman provides protected military communications, commercial communications and the ground systems that help bring millions of people together every day.
Beyond the Boneyard
Northrop Grumman finds creative solutions to end-of-life management. From STEM education to technician training and public display, Northrop Grumman is demonstrating that there is still plenty of life in end-of-life technology.
AOA Xinetics – Image Metrology
AOA Xinetics - Image Metrology Solutions [...]Read More...
AFA Media Relations
Northrop Grumman has been a trusted U.S. Air Force partner for nearly 70 years, and provides innovative technologies that inspire, systems that protect, and affordability that sustains our customers’ highest priority missions.
Stories About the James Webb Space Telescope
Stories and reflections on building the largest, most complex telescope in history from employees at Northrop Grumman.
NASA Commercial Resupply Missions
Northrop Grumman is a partner with NASA in providing resupply services to the International Space Station.
Cygnus NG-14 Mission Page
The Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft launched Friday, Oct. 2, 2020 at 9:16 p.m. EDT from Wallops Island, Virginia and completed its mission on Jan. 26 at 3:23 p.m. EST.
Beyond the Boost
Exploring Northrop Grumman’s Role in the Artemis I Mission
Next Gen OPIR Polar (NGP)
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) polar-orbiting satellite, known as NextGen Polar, is key in strategic missile warning for our nation’s defense.
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-16
Northrop Grumman is proud to name the NG-16 Cygnus spacecraft after former astronaut Ellison Onizuka. It is the company’s tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft in honor of an individual who has made great contributions to human spaceflight.
Space Legacy
[...]Read More...
Record Breaking Rocket Boosters
Two of Northrop Grumman’s extended length, 63-inch-diameter Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM 63XL) etched their place in history in January 2024, when the 72-foot-long solid rocket boosters (SRB) helped power the successful inaugural flight of the Vulcan rocket.