As one of the key flight controllers on the NG-15 mission that sent the S.S. Katherine Johnson Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station in February 2021, I had what you could call a full-circle moment.
Earth Observing System – Aqua
Aqua is one of a series of orbiting Earth Observing System (EOS) platforms that are central to NASA's long-term study of the planet and its processes.
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!”
At the Helm of Aqua
By Michelle A. Monroe Carl was having a conversation with his 9-year-old grandson, Jeremiah, when he began sharing his love of science and how he turned it into a lifelong career. “As Jeremiah began asking more about climate change, I had one piece of advice: Let science be your guide,” Carl said. At Northrop Grumman, [...]Read More...
From Outer Space to Northrop Grumman
Three astronauts discuss their career paths, which have taken them everywhere from outer space to Northrop Grumman.
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...
The Downsizing Developer
By Leigh McLeod Why go big when you can go small? For Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Tim, that’s his modus operandi. Tim joined Northrop Grumman in May 2021 to work on a classified program in Aurora, Colorado, but quickly realized he missed working on RF, which he’d spent most of his career on. When he [...]Read More...
Written in the Stars
Couple Celebrates Their Projects Colliding as Northrop Grumman Helps NASA Retrieve Spacecraft After Splashdown By Michelle A. Monroe Two aerospace engineers fall in love, get married and spend years in each other’s professional orbits before they finally collide. It’s a story practically written in the stars. Debra and Joe, who work for Northrop Grumman and [...]Read More...
Two the Moon
Northrop Grumman Space communications interns Caroline and Nicole had a powerful internship experience that shook them to their core...literally.
Powering the Artemis Generation
Building on the legacy of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, Northrop Grumman is pushing the limits of possible with the Artemis program, which will land the first woman and first person of color on the moon. The Artemis missions, fueled by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, will establish the first long-term presence on and around the moon before taking the next giant leap: Mars.
Robert and Empowering Future Rocket Scientists
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.
Navigating Mars and Beyond with LN-200 Inertial Measurement Units
When NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover lands on the Red Planet in February 2021 and begins exploring the Jezero Crater for signs of microbial life, it will be guided by a tried and trusted navigator, Northrop Grumman's LN-200S Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
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.
Hyperspectral Imaging
Northrop Grumman's state-of-the-art Hyperspectral Imaging Systems operate across up to 220 wavelengths to paint precise portraits of this hidden world.
Sentinel – The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent
Northrop Grumman’s LGM-35A Sentinel (GBSD) program for the U.S. Air Force is the weapon system replacement for the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system.
Cosmic Game Changer: Northrop Grumman and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
The story of how NASA, together with an industry team led by Northrop Grumman, achieved the unprecedented: a tool for exploration of the deepest mysteries of our existence.
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.
Antenna Measurement Services
Northrop Grumman's antenna measurement ranges have accurately performed thousands of tests over the last 50 years.
Space Symposium
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.
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG 17
Northrop Grumman is proud to name the NG-17 Cygnus spacecraft after former astronaut Piers Sellers.
Commercial Space Station
Northrop Grumman’s space station concept provides the foundation for a new economy in space.
Milstar Payloads
The Milstar Communications Network — a series of advanced satellites linked to mobile ground terminals — provides assured command and control to U.S. forces worldwide.
Through Smoke and Fire
A static test safely ignites solid rocket motors to gather critical data to ensure the motor meets design requirements for the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.
The Coolest Technology: Cryocoolers
Cryocoolers are machines that keep sensors extremely cold so that satellites and space telescopes can take pictures on long-term missions. Whether we're looking back toward Earth or outward into deep space, the sensors that capture images require extremely low temperatures.
An Ingenious Device: The Pinch Polarizer Is Used All Over Space
Invented by Northrop Grumman engineers, the pinch polarizer plays a big role in the space industry, ensuring the transmission of satellite radio signals.
Minotaur Rocket
Northrop Grumman integrates, tests and provides space launch services for the Minotaur I, IV, V, VI and C family of rockets.
A New Space Paradigm Calls for Purpose-Built Spacecraft
Northrop Grumman is accelerating the pace of new space technology development, deploying DARPA's R3D2 with extreme speed and incredible innovation.
Keeping Astronauts Safe with NASA’s Orion Spacecraft’s Launch Abort System
Northrop Grumman keeps astronauts safe with its launch abort system that will be part of the Artemis mission.
Spacecraft Design: The Art and Science of Breaking Barriers
Iterative systems engineering produces barrier-breaking spacecraft design. But what does this look like in practice? How do engineering teams combine the science of spaceflight with the art of design to help customers break barriers — and balance budgets?
Designers to the Stars: Dressing Spacecraft for Mission Success
Before launching onto the celestial stage, Northrop Grumman experts dress spacecraft to protect it from extreme space temperatures.
Launching Solutions into Space: The Innovation Technology Paradox
Innovation requires a balance between creativity and taking risks. Striking that balance creates a common dilemma: embracing innovation technology without disrupting current operations.
Common Space Vehicle Mechanisms
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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
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Technical Details for the James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is peering into the past to unlock the mysteries of our universe. Learn about the technical details of this ambitious mission.
Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center
The Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) is the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) premier integration center for national and international ballistic missile defense. The MDIOC performs a critical role in the development of U.S. defense capability and strategy.
Antares Rocket
Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket is a two-stage vehicle with optional third stage that provides low-Earth orbit launch capability for payloads weighing up to 8,000 kg.
Business Sectors
Northrop Grumman's business sectors offer an extraordinary portfolio of capabilities and technologies that enable us to deliver innovative systems and solutions for applications that range from air, cyber, land, sea and space.
Cryocoolers
Northrop Grumman’s cryocoolers offer high reliability for critical space missions, including missile defense, climate science, astronomy, and weather tracking and prediction.
Sentinel – Studies and Reports
Read key studies and reports about the U.S. Air Force’s LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will modernize the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad.
Starshade
The Starshade, in development by Northrop Grumman, would fly thousands of miles in front of a space telescope and eclipse different stars as needed to study planetary systems around the closest stars.
What Will You Do in LEO?
What will you do in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)? Northrop Grumman is considering all the possibilities. From science, research and manufacturing to media production and STEM outreach, the possibilities for the future are growing exponentially with our Commercial Space Station concept.
Exploring Careers at Northrop Grumman
Register today to learn more about Northrop Grumman career opportunities in space.
Navigating the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
The team behind Northrop Grumman's Scalable Space Inertial Reference Unit navigation system is working to make sure the Roman Space Telescope can stabilize and point in the right direction, even when it's extremely far from home for many years.
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.
TR501 Dual-Mode Thruster
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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.
Space Systems
Northrop Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world.
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.
One Shot to do the Impossible: The Intense Testing of the James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope will orbit far beyond the reach of human repairmen, so engineers only got one shot to get it right. To prepare for this, Northrop Grumman conduced some of the most intense tests ever devised.
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.
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).
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-18
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Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS)
Built by Northrop Grumman Corporation in support of the Missile Defense Agency, two demonstration Space Tracking and Surveillance System satellites successfully completed their missions and have been retired.
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.
OmegA Rocket
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DAWN Spacecraft: Uncovering the Relics of the Early Solar System
NASA's DAWN spacecraft, designed and built by Northrop Grumman, captured more than 100,000 images of the two different proto-planets, allowing scientists to catalog their previously unknown history.
Launch a Career in Systems or Software Engineering in Space
We have openings for cleared systems and software engineers – including critical roles in DevSecOps, Embedded Software and Development, Cyber Systems Engineering, Systems Administration and more.
A New Era In Astronomy
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.
Rising to the Occasion: Northrop Grumman and the Sentinel (GBSD) Program
The U.S. Air Force’s Sentinel Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) is the weapon system replacement for the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM). Sentinel (GBSD) represents the modernization of the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad.
Advanced EHF Payloads
The U.S. Air Force's Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system is the nation's next-generation military strategic and tactical relay system, which will deliver survivable, protected communications to U.S. forces and selected allies worldwide.
UK MilSatCom
Northrop Grumman, with mission expertise dating back to the dawn of the space age, giving us a unique perspective on MilSatCom in the UK to protect the warfighter and preserve freedom.
Wideband Communication Links
Northrop Grumman is a leader in the development and manufacture of multi-gigabit-per-second communication links, with more than three decades of experience successfully integrating gigabit links into high performance space missions.
Todd Mott: Clearing the Smoke on Data Reduction
Whenever Northrop Grumman conducts a static test of the new five-segment Flight Support Booster has developed for NASA's Space Launch System, hundreds of test instruments attached to the rocket generate millions of data points through thousands of data channels.
IEEE
Northrop Grumman is a great place to discover careers that change the world and further advancements in defense, technology and engineering.
Propulsion Systems
Northrop Grumman provides reliable and flight-proven solid rocket motors for both Northrop Grumman vehicles and for other providers in defense and commercial markets.
Common Frequency Source
Our Common Frequency Source (CFS) products provide fixed single and dual clock references for RF and digital payloads.
About Sentinel (GBSD)
Northrop Grumman has been awarded the U.S. Air Force’s LGM-35A Sentinel (GBSD) contract to replace the aging ICBM System.
Propulsion Products and Services
Northrop Grumman offers a complete range of propulsion products and services to develop and produce high quality flight hardware.
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).
Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES)
NASA's Northrop Grumman-built Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument measures emitted and reflected radiative energy from the surface of the Earth and the atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
Ground-based Midcourse System
Northrop Grumman’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System (GMD) is the heart of the Missile Defense System and a key element of our nation's defense against ballistic missile attacks.
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 Commercial Resupply Missions
Northrop Grumman is a partner with NASA in providing resupply services to the International Space Station.
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.
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
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Space
Northrop Grumman provides end-to-end space capabilities to a broad range of customers, such as NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and a variety of commercial entities. Northrop Grumman will win the future of space.
Eagle-3
From missile warning and strategic communications to scientific discovery, Northrop Grumman's Eagle-3 is a highly reliable, resilient spacecraft for the most challenging and essential missions.
Human Spaceflight and Logistics
Since 2014, Northrop Grumman has provided vital supplies to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station with our Cygnus spacecraft launched aboard our Antares rocket.
Propelling Space and Defense Missions: Solid Rocket Motor Expertise
Solid rocket motors are critical to space and defense missions because of their long shelf life and ability to be launched with little preparation.
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.
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.
Counter Hypersonics
Northrop Grumman is working on groundbreaking solutions to help defeat modern hypersonic missiles in various phases of flight.
Next Generation Interceptor
Building on decades of experience as a prime contractor for major defense programs, Northrop Grumman will provide a comprehensive NGI solution that supports operational deployment to urgent national security needs.
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.
Engineering Marvel: The JWST Mega Sunshield Takes its Shape
Imagine having to squeeze an enormous mirror and a sunshield that's the size of a tennis court into a rocket ship. This is the reality of an intricate deployment Northrop Grumman engineers have incorporated into the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Enhanced Polar System Control and Planning Segment (EPS CAPS)
Enhanced Polar System (EPS) Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) provides space-enabled, secure communications capabilities to polar users in support of national objectives.
Spacecraft Components
Northrop Grumman is a leading designer, producer and supplier of spacecraft components that power and enable satellites of all classes.
Missile Defense
Northrop Grumman develops and builds some of the world’s most advanced missile defense technologies.
Game Changer Part II: Northrop Grumman and the James Webb Space Telescope’s Confounding Sunshield
From day one, everyone involved in the program knew that when NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope arrived on orbit it would change humanity’s understanding of our cosmic origins. If it worked...
Northrop Grumman and the Robert J. Collier Trophy
Throughout our history, Northrop Grumman, our heritage companies and our industry partners have been honored to receive the Collier Trophy on several occasions.
Space Legacy
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SpaceLogistics
SpaceLogistics provides cooperative space logistics and in-orbit satellite servicing to geosynchronous satellite operators using its fleet of commercial servicing vehicles.
Beyond Expectations
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Earth Observing System – Aura
An Earth Observing System satellite - EOS Aura - hosts a suite of scientific instruments designed to make the most comprehensive measurements ever undertaken of trace gases in the environment that surrounds earth.
Launch a Career in Space with Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman has job opportunities that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe.
Propulsion Technologies
Northrop Grumman has been advancing propulsion technology since 1958.
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.
Satellite Services in Space
Northrop Grumman developed three mission extension technologies that extend satellite services.
Solar Array Products
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Venus Atmospheric Maneuverable Platform (VAMP)
The Venus Atmospheric Maneuverable Platform (VAMP) air vehicle (AV) is an aeroshell-less hypersonic entry vehicle that transitions to a semi-buoyant, maneuverable, solar-powered air vehicle for flight in Venus' atmosphere.
Anti-Jam MilSatCom Overview
Northrop Grumman has been providing jam-resistant payloads for military communications satellites for nearly 30 years, delivering secure, protected and survivable communications to help U.S. military services achieve information superiority.
NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-19
The NASA Commercial Resupply Mission NG-19 will deliver cargo to the the International Space Station (ISS), marking 10 years of cargo resupply service to NASA and the ISS.
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.
Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Over the past 20 years, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has made extraordinary discoveries to further our curiosity about the universe.
Game Changer Part III: Triumph
In the Spring of 2018, questions from the media, Congress and the science community swirled around NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope program. The headlines weren’t kind.
Dawn Spacecraft
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Cygnus Spacecraft
The Cygnus system is a flight proven design incorporating elements drawn from Northrop Grumman and its partners’ existing, flight-proven spacecraft technologies.
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.
Exploring Careers In Space
Register today to learn more about Northrop Grumman career opportunities in space.
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.