LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is sponsoring the Heritage Family Day Series at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The series celebrates ethnic and cultural diversity, and aims to enhance understanding of the social and cultural contributions that diverse communities have made to aviation and space exploration. This is the fourth consecutive year that the company has sponsored this series.

The series opens on Feb. 14 at the museum's National Mall building with African American Pioneers in Aviation, which showcases the contributions of African Americans to aviation and space exploration. On the opening day as well as on Feb. 21, the second African American Pioneers in Aviation day that will take place at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, visitors will have the chance to meet NASA astronauts and members of the Tuskegee Airmen, African American pilots who flew during World War II, and be inspired by their determination and perseverance.

"The Smithsonian's Heritage Family Day series engages visitors, enhancing their understanding of the social and cultural contributions of many different groups," said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of corporate responsibility for Northrop Grumman. "Building awareness among traditionally underserved populations of the great achievements of these diverse groups in aerospace will hopefully spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

On March 14, the Women in Aviation and Space day will allow visitors to learn about the accomplishments of women in aviation, science and aerospace. The program is presented in partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, and visitors will be able to view science projects by local Girl Scout Troops.

A week later, on March 21, Kites of Asia will give visitors the chance to see a variety of Asian kits and learn about the art, construction, and use of kites. Curators will explain how kites have influenced the development of aviation, and demonstrate the sciences behind kite flying. Visitors will also have the chance to decorate and build their own kites.

During Explore the Universe Day on April 4, museum visitors will learn how to view the night sky through hands-on activities and presentations. In addition, visitors will learn about the significant impact and contributions made by women to our understanding of the universe.

The last program in the Heritage Family Day series, The World Starts to Fly: Centennial of International Flight on Sept. 12 will focus on the history of international flight, starting with Louis Bleriot's famous flight across the English Channel. The program will reach out to the local Hispanic community by offering bilingual programming and giving visitors the chance to meet Hispanic role models -- aviation professionals and engineers.

For more information about the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum's Family Day series, please visit: http://www.nasm.si.edu/

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Carissa Kwan
          Northrop Grumman Corporation
          (310) 201-3111
          carissa.kwan@ngc.com