Northrop Grumman

Mission Extension Vehicle: Breathing Life Back Into In-Orbit Satellites

Vicki Cox — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT

A satellite may be healthy and fully operational, but it can still be retired if its fuel supply has depleted. Once fuel runs dry, that's it: The satellite is done, unusable. Enter the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV).

On average, there are about 20 satellites each year that reach this condition and are retired. Since the number of potentially unusable satellites is so vast, Northrop Grumman is leading the way in developing satellite servicing plans and technology. MEV has solved this issue: It is a vehicle designed to dock with geostationary satellites whose fuel is nearly depleted.

Once connected to its client satellite, MEV will use its own thrusters and fuel supply to extend the satellite's lifespan by performing station-keeping maneuvers. Then, when the customer no longer needs MEV's service, it will undock and move on to the next client satellite.

"Our MEV is a multi-use vehicle," said Joe Anderson of Northrop Grumman’s satellite servicing operations unit. "It has a 15-year design life, but there's much more than 15 years of life extension fuel in the vehicle. This will allow us to service satellites in inclined orbits too."

A Space Rendezvous at 7,000 Miles per Hour

MEV-1, launched on Oct. 9, 2019 — is the first life-extension vehicle to market, under a contract with Intelsat, the world's largest commercial satellite operator.

After launch, MEV-1 raised its orbit to rendezvous with its client satellite, Intelsat 901 (IS-901), in geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO), a process that took three and a half months from launch and used both its chemical and electric propulsion systems.

MEV-1 traveled directly to graveyard orbit, also known as a disposal orbit, which is situated approximately 180 miles above GEO and more than 22,000 miles above Earth, as a precautionary measure. A few weeks after the MEV-1 launch, the IS-901 began to raise its own orbit from GEO to the graveyard, where the two vehicles rendezvoused and finally docked in late February 2020, moving at a rate of approximately 7,000 miles per hour while successfully aligning.

Future MEV dockings will take place directly in GEO.

The Intelsat 901 satellite was successfully returned to service on April 2 using the Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1).

Simple Yet Revolutionary In-Orbit Docking

MEV-1's method for docking is simple. The vehicle takes advantage of a feature that approximately 80% of GEO satellites share: a liquid apogee engine (LAE). GEO satellites use the LAE to finalize their orbits at the start of their life but are never used again. Fortunately, only a few manufacturers worldwide build LAEs, and all use very similar designs.

The Mission Extension Vehicle uses a patented mechanism to capture and dock with a client's LAE. This mechanism is inserted into the cone of the LAE to capture the client satellite —with an approach termed "cone-to-capture," the same approach to docking utilized as far back as the Gemini program in the 1960s.

Once captured, the mechanism retracts and the MEV's stanchions make firm contact with the client vehicle's launch adapter ring ensuring a secure docking. The launch adapter ring is another feature common to most GEO satellites. It's important to note that the MEV-client vehicle connection is purely mechanical, thus avoiding the complications of fluid transfers and electrical or data connections.

Returning the Satellite to GEO

On April 2, 2020, MEV-1 returned IS-901 to service in its designated location in GEO where it will remain for five years — the length of Northrop Grumman's contract with Intelsat. At the end of this contract, MEV-1 will return IS-901 back to graveyard orbit and release it there to be decommissioned.

MEV-1 will then move on to provide mission extension services to new client spacecraft, repeating the process once again and breathing new life into satellites in need.

Curious about the future of in-orbit satellite servicing? Learn more here about the MEV and SpaceLogistics LLC.

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Apollo 13: Failure was not an option

Logan Rice — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT

“Deepest thanks: The Apollo 13 crew wants to express to the entire Grumman engineering and manufacturing team our deepest thanks for building a most outstanding spacecraft. Aquarius performed beyond expectations in providing our only means of returning home. Our highest praise for the continuous efforts of all the Grumman employees in the making of LM-7.” – Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, crewmembers of Apollo 13

Northrop Grumman has been a leader in space for more than 60 years, from missions supporting human discovery all the way to critical military space programs. What some may not know is how the company partnered with NASA and other contractor teams to help Apollo 13 Mission Commander Jim Lovell, Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise and Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert safely return home.

Fifty years ago today, April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 Command Module and crew safely returned home, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean as more than 40 million Americans tuned in to watch.

Grumman Aerospace engineers designed and built the Apollo Program Lunar Modules in Bethpage, New York, with the final assembly, test and launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. TRW engineers built Aquarius’ descent engine and programmed the Lunar Module’s abort guidance system at Redondo Beach in California. Those engineers from Grumman and TRW, heritage Northrop Grumman companies, were instrumental in enabling the rescue operation a half century ago.

Like its predecessors on previous Apollo missions, the Apollo 13 spacecraft consisted of several connected modules: the Command and Service Module (CSM) called Odyssey, and the Lunar Module (LM) called Aquarius. This unique spacecraft was designed to detach from the CSM and descend to the moon’s surface, then serve as base camp during the exploration of the Fra Mauro lunar highlands.

May 6, 1970: Apollo 13 crewmembers Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert thanking TRW employees for their rescue contributions.

Aquarius’ final task of the mission would be to launch the astronauts from the moon’s surface back to Earth using the ascent stage to the CSM — where once inside, that stage would be released into the atmosphere. Prior to the Command Module making its final descent to earth, the Service Module would also be jettisoned and burn up in the atmosphere.

The mission was going as planned until an explosion occurred onboard the CSM 56 hours into the mission. This unexpected and highly dangerous situation critically affected the CSM’s power and oxygen supply, prompting NASA to abort the lunar landing and concentrate solely on bringing the crew home safely.

Since critical elements aboard the spacecraft were built by TRW and Grumman engineers, many were urgently called in to help solve this mission-critical problem. Some of the TRW team immediately traveled to NASA in Houston, Texas, and to Grumman offices in Bethpage, New York, while others worked from the now-Northrop Grumman Space Park campus in Redondo Beach, California.

Tens of thousands of miles above earth, the three Apollo 13 crew members rationed their supplies and took shelter in Aquarius. The LM, which was only intended to accommodate two astronauts for 36 hours during a lunar surface mission, now had to sustain three astronauts for more than 86 hours. Back on earth, engineers were faced with the daunting task of figuring out how to safely return the crew using only the equipment already aboard the spacecraft.

Engineers devised a solution leveraging the engine of the LM to place the spacecraft onto a return trajectory to Earth, as well as increase the speed of the return. With a plan in place, the team jumped into action, averting disaster and capturing the attention of the nation. A nationwide audience tuned in to their televisions to watch coverage of the rescue landing.

May 5, 1970: Apollo 13 crewmembers Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert receive a warm welcome from Grumman employees in Bethpage, New York.

The following day, President Richard Nixon awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Apollo 13 astronauts and Mission Operations Team. He also sent a note of thanks to Grumman President Joe Gavin, thanking his team for their commitment to getting the job done.

On May 5, 1970, the Apollo 13 crew visited the Grumman facility in Bethpage and celebrated their safe return at a ceremony with thousands of employees. “If we don’t do anything else, let’s get back up to Grumman and say ‘Thanks!’” said Lovell.

The crew visited the TRW engineers at Space Park the next day to express their gratitude in person where thousands flocked to the event. “The only reason we are here today is due to the people on the ground, including many from TRW,” Lovell said to the crowd at Space Park.

The Apollo 13 mission, its crew, and the NASA-led team demonstrated ingenuity and problem solving under tremendous pressure that led to the rescue of the astronauts, capturing the attention of the entire world.

“You know there was an awful lot of teamwork on the ground… but with Apollo 13, there was one brief moment when all the people of the world were united,” said crewmember Jack Swigert.

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Intelsat 901 Satellite Returns to Service Using Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:13:00 GMT

MCLEAN and DULLES, Va. – April 17, 2020 – Intelsat (NYSE: I) today announced that Intelsat 901 has returned to service following the successful docking with the first Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC, on February 25 – the first time that two commercial spacecraft docked in geostationary orbit.

Since the February rendezvous, MEV-1 has assumed navigation of the combined spacecraft stack reducing its inclination by 1.6° and relocating IS-901 to its new orbital location. Intelsat then transitioned roughly 30 of its commercial and government customers to the satellite on April 2. The transition of service took approximately six hours. IS-901 is now operating at the 332.5°E orbital slot and providing full service to Intelsat customers.

Intelsat views life-extension services, like MEV technology, as a cost-effective and efficient way to minimize service disruptions, enhance the overall flexibility of its satellite fleet and better support the evolving needs of its customers.

“With a focus on providing the best customer experience in our industry, Intelsat is proud to have pioneered this innovative first with Northrop Grumman. We see increased demand for our connectivity services around the world, and preserving our customers’ experience using innovative technology such as MEV-1 is helping us meet that need,” said Intelsat Chief Services Officer Mike DeMarco. “I want to thank Northrop Grumman, SpaceLogistics and our valued Intelsat customers, who put their trust in us to successfully execute this historic mission. As commercial space-servicing technology progresses, Intelsat looks forward to pioneering new applications in support of our customers’ continued success.”

“Our partnership with Intelsat was critical to delivering this innovative satellite technology into operation,” said Tom Wilson, vice president, Northrop Grumman Space Systems and president, SpaceLogistics, LLC. “This historic event, highlighted by the first in-orbit rendezvous and docking of two commercial satellites and the subsequent repositioning of the two-spacecraft stack, demonstrates the business value that MEV offers to customers. Now that MEV-1 has successfully delivered on its mission to place the Intelsat 901 satellite back into operational service, we will continue to pioneer the future of on-orbit servicing through our multi-year technology roadmap leading to additional services such as inspection, assembly and repair.”

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman and SpaceLogistics will provide five years of life extension services to IS-901 before returning the spacecraft to a final decommissioned orbit. MEV-1 will then be available to provide additional mission extension services for new clients including orbit raising, inclination corrections and inspections. Intelsat has already also contracted with Northrop Grumman for a second MEV (MEV-2) to service Intelsat 1002 satellite later this year.

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructure. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is uniquely positioned to help our customers turn possibilities into reality – transformation happens when businesses, governments and communities use Intelsat’s next-generation global network and managed services to build their connected future. Learn more at www.intelsat.com.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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Northrop Grumman Announces Webcast, Conference Call of First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 18:35:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – April 2, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today that its first quarter 2020 financial results will be posted on its investor relations website on April 29, 2020. Prior to the market opening, and after the filing of the earnings release on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company will issue an advisory release notifying the public of the availability of the complete and full text earnings release on the company’s website at http://investor.northropgrumman.com.

The company’s first quarter 2020 conference call will be held at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time, Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president, and Dave Keffer, chief financial officer, will review first quarter results. The conference call will be webcast live on Northrop Grumman’s website at http://investor.northropgrumman.com. Replays of the call will be available on the Northrop Grumman website for a limited time. Presentations may be supplemented by a series of slides appearing on the company’s investor relations home page.

Note: Statements in this press release, and statements to be made on the conference call, including in any accompanying materials, contain or may contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release or the date of the call, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Northrop Grumman Prices $2.25 Billion Debt Offering

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:05:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – March 19, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today that it has priced a $2.25 billion underwritten public offering of senior unsecured notes. The notes include:

$750 million of 4.400% senior notes due 2030

$500 million of 5.150% senior notes due 2040

$1,000 million of 5.250% senior notes due 2050

Northrop Grumman expects to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include debt repayment and working capital. The offering is expected to close on March 23, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus related to the offering may be obtained by calling J.P. Morgan Securities LLC collect at 1-212-834-4533, BofA Securities, Inc. at 1-800-294-1322 and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 1-800-831-9146. A copy of these documents may also be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

The securities are being offered pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the shelf registration statement.

Note: Statements in this press release contain or may contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates “On-The-Move” Ground Radar Capability

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – March 11, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) completed a successful government customer demonstration of the Highly Adaptable Multi-Mission Radar (HAMMR) system at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

During the successful live fire demonstration, Northrop Grumman used the HAMMR system, mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) as an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) sensor to detect and track an unmanned aerial vehicle target.

“This first-of-its-kind demonstration validated the sense on-the-move capability in concept for the Department of Defense’s IAMD enterprise and proved that this capability can be developed and fielded to warfighters much sooner than anticipated,” said Mike Meaney, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman’s HAMMR is a short- to medium-range X-Band Three Dimensional (3D) radar that utilizes the proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) AN/APG-83 F-16 fighter radar in a ground-based, sense on-the-move role. HAMMR provides robust multi-mission 3D performance for air surveillance, weapon cueing and counter-fire target acquisition missions in either a 360-degree or sector-only staring mode. HAMMR delivers the unprecedented ability to provide force protection while operating on the move, significantly increasing warfighter survivability.

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Next Generation of Cyber Security Professionals Compete in National CyberCenturion Final

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:00:00 GMT

LONDON – March 5, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) welcomed 60 young finalists to compete for the title of this year’s UK national CyberCenturion VI champions. In partnership with Cyber Security Challenge UK, CyberCenturion is a sister programme to the U.S. CyberPatriot competition. It is funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and supported by the U.S. Air Force Association.

Two thousand students registered for CyberCenturion VI and teams completed a series of real-life cyber defence tasks in qualifying rounds that began in September 2019. Team members have developed technical abilities as well as professional skills such as teamwork, problem solving, communication and perseverance that employers value.

“Thanks to competitions like CyberCenturion, the next generation is learning skills for the future and being inspired to pursue rewarding careers in cyber security,” said Nick Chaffey, chief executive, Northrop Grumman UK and Europe. “Northrop Grumman’s full involvement in this global STEM education programme across the world helps to build the pipeline of future cyber talent. It is an unrivalled opportunity for young people to learn key cyber skills and engage with industry and cyber professionals.”

Teams competed in two age groups, 12-15 and 15-18 years old, and four categories: all female, all male, mixed and cadet. Top scoring teams from each group and the overall standout top scorers were invited to the live final.

“We’ve now run the competition in the UK for six years, growing from just 50 players in our first year to around 2,000 registrations for CyberCenturion VI,” said Dr Robert Nowill, chairman, Cyber Security Challenge UK. “Through initiatives like CyberCenturion, we’ve introduced more than 8,000 young people to the challenges and rewards of cyber security, broadening the reach of the industry and opening it up to those who may not otherwise be exposed to such valuable extra-curricular experiences.”

Matthew Dawson, a previous CyberCenturion competitor added, "CyberCenturion has had a massive impact on my life. The competition helped cement my ambition of having a career in cyber, as well as enabling me to stand out from the crowd and secure a place at university. I wouldn't be where I am today without it."

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Northrop Grumman’s Wholly Owned Subsidiary, SpaceLogistics, Selected by DARPA as Commercial Partner for Robotic Servicing Mission

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 21:20:00 GMT

DULLES, Va. – March 4, 2020 – SpaceLogistics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as its commercial partner for the agency’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program. The groundbreaking mission will feature the first-ever commercial robotic servicing spacecraft and aims to expand the market for satellite servicing of both commercial and government client satellites with advanced robotics technology. The program objectives include enhanced capabilities such as in-orbit repair, augmentation, assembly, detailed inspection and relocation of client satellites.

The Mission Robotic Vehicle, shown with DARPA's RSGS Robotic Payload is pioneering robotic servicing of satellites. (Artist Rendering)

Under the agreement, DARPA will provide the robotics payload for the Space Logistics Mission Robotic Vehicle. This payload, developed and integrated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, consists of two dexterous robotic manipulator arms, along with several tools and sensors. SpaceLogistics will provide its Mission Robotic Vehicle bus leveraging technologies developed for the industry’s first- ever satellite servicing vehicle, the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV).

MEV-1, designed and built by Northrop Grumman, launched in October 2019 and successfully completed the first docking in geosynchronous orbit with an Intelsat satellite on Feb. 25. Northrop Grumman will also channel its deep expertise in spacecraft development and on-orbit servicing to lead the system level design, integration, testing, launch and mission operations over the life of the satellite.

“Our selection as DARPA’s commercial partner expands our leadership in space logistics,” said Tom Wilson, president, SpaceLogistics LLC. “The new robotics technology on this mission advances our vision to build a fleet of satellite servicing vehicles that provide customers with a variety of options to select the type of life-extension or in-orbit repairs they need.”

In addition to the Mission Robotic Vehicle for SpaceLogistics, Northrop Grumman is developing expanded life extension services for the mission that include Mission Extension Pods. The new pods augment the propulsion system of aging satellites and provide six years of orbital life extension. The Mission Robotic Vehicle will be used to install these augmentation platforms on existing in-orbit commercial and government client satellites to extend their mission lives.

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Northrop Grumman Awarded $110 Million for US Air Force Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Feb. 28, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has announced that it received a $110 million production order from the U.S. Air Force late last year for FMU-167/B, also known as the Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze.

The Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze is an all-electronic, cockpit programmable, intelligent fuze capable of destroying deeply buried hard targets.

The Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze is an all-electronic, cockpit programmable, intelligent fuze capable of destroying deeply buried and targets. It provides multiple delay arming and detonation times, as well as a void-sensing capability, which allows for precision activation of the fuze.

“Northrop Grumman’s Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze takes the guesswork out of understanding the timing required to reach the target,” said Pat Nolan, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman. “We continue to make investments in sophisticated fuzes to help ensure U.S. warfighters and our allies are equipped with the best tools to complete their missions.”

Throughout its rigorous testing, the Hard Target Void Sensing Fuze has continuously demonstrated exceptional survivability, reliability and accuracy of detonation in penetrating weapons.

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Northrop Grumman Successfully Completes Second Stage Test for OmegA™ Rocket

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

PROMONTORY, Utah – Feb. 27, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully conducted a full-scale static fire test of the second stage of its OmegA rocket today in Promontory, Utah. Developed to support the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program, the OmegA Launch System remains on track for its first certification flight in spring 2021.

During today’s test, the second stage motor fired for full-duration, approximately 140 seconds, burning nearly 340,000 pounds of solid propellant to produce upwards of 785,000 pounds of thrust. The test verified the motor’s ballistics and thermal performance as well as steering control and performance in a cold-conditioned environment. The test team collected more than 500 channels of data to aid in verifying the motor.

“Northrop Grumman designed OmegA to use the most reliable propulsion available to ensure exceptional mission assurance for our customers,” said Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “Today’s firing is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates a domestic solution for the RD-180 rocket engine replacement.”

In October 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $792 million Launch Services Agreement to complete detailed design and verification of the OmegA space launch vehicle and launch sites. Today’s cold test, in conjunction with the successful hot static fire in May 2019, subjected OmegA’s motors to the most extreme propellant temperatures the rocket will experience during storage, transport, stacking and launch.

Northrop Grumman has leveraged its flight proven technologies and extensive experience launching critical payloads in the development of the OmegA launch system. The rocket was designed to accommodate national security payloads while also serving the civil and commercial markets.

In preparation for OmegA’s inaugural flight, Northrop Grumman now occupies High Bay 2 as the first commercial tenant in NASA’s historic Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. Construction crews are currently modifying Mobile Launch Platform-3 to serve as OmegA’s assembly and launch platform at Pad 39B.

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Northrop Grumman Successfully Completes Historic First Docking of Mission Extension Vehicle with Intelsat 901 Satellite

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:10:00 GMT

DULLES, Va. – Feb. 26, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC, have successfully completed the first docking of the Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) to the Intelsat 901 (IS-901) spacecraft in order to provide life-extension services. This historic accomplishment marks the first time two commercial satellites have docked in orbit and the first time that mission extension services will be offered to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit.

View of IS-901 satellite from Mission Extension Vehicle-1’s (MEV-1) “near hold” position during approach from approximately 20 meters with Earth in the background. The MEV successfully docked with the Intelsat 901 satellite on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

MEV-1, launched Oct. 9, 2019, recently completed its orbit raising to an orbit approximately 180 miles above geosynchronous orbit. IS-901 is a fully operational communication satellite that is running low on fuel. Intelsat (NYSE: I) removed 901 from service in December 2019, transferring customers to other satellites in its extensive fleet, in order to raise its orbit to the same altitude as MEV-1 in preparation for docking. MEV-1 then completed the historic docking with IS-901 on February 25 at 2:15 a.m. ET. The combined spacecraft stack will now perform on-orbit checkouts before MEV-1 begins relocating the combined vehicle to return IS-901 into service in late March.

“Our Mission Extension Vehicle provides an innovative, satellite life extension service,” said Tom Wilson, president, SpaceLogistics LLC. “Together, Northrop Grumman, SpaceLogistics LLC and Intelsat have taken the first step in pioneering in-space logistics services for both commercial and government customers.”

“Intelsat has been at the forefront of innovation and game-changing space technology for decades. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is in our DNA here – that’s why we didn’t hesitate to sign up to be MEV-1’s first customer,” said Mike DeMarco, executive vice president and chief services officer at Intelsat. “We’re proud to make history with SpaceLogistics LLC and Northrop Grumman on this groundbreaking space milestone.”

Under the terms of the contract with Intelsat, MEV-1 will provide five years of life extension services to the IS-901 satellite before returning the spacecraft to a final decommissioning orbit. MEV-1 will then move on to provide mission extension services to a new client spacecraft.

MEV-1 was designed and built at the Northrop Grumman’s Dulles, Virginia, facility and utilizes a low-risk mechanical docking system that attaches to existing features on the client satellite. Once docked, MEV takes over the attitude and orbit maintenance of the combined vehicle stack to meet the pointing and station keeping requirements of the customer. MEV is designed for multiple docking and undockings and can deliver over 15 years of life extension services. The company is scheduled to launch its second Mission Extension Vehicle, MEV-2, later this year, which is contracted to provide service to a different Intelsat satellite.

This life extension service is just the first step in an expansive technology development plan. The company’s vision is to establish a fleet of satellite servicing vehicles that not only extend the life of satellites, but provide other services such as inclination changes and spacecraft inspections, as well as use advanced robotics technology to perform additional functions such as in-orbit repair and assembly.

B-roll and animation footage for the mission can be found here. Photos for the mission can be found here.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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Northrop Grumman Completes Final Qualification Test for NASA’s Orion Launch Abort System Attitude Control Motor

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:00:00 GMT

ELKTON, Md. – Feb. 25, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), along with NASA and Lockheed Martin, successfully completed its third and final qualification test of the Attitude Control Motor (ACM) for NASA’s Orion spacecraft Launch Abort System (LAS).

“The qualification test is a critical step toward Artemis II, Orion’s first flight with astronauts,” said Pat Nolan, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman. “Completion of this milestone emphasizes Northrop Grumman’s commitment to deliver innovative and reliable technology that will keep our astronauts safe during launch.”

The test was performed under cold operating conditions, to complement the earlier tests conducted at nominal and high-temperature conditions. In an effort to demonstrate worst case conditions, the motor was ignited using one of the two initiators and simulated high altitude vacuum conditions.

Preliminary results showed excellent performance, meeting the stringent design criteria for this critical application. All eight high thrust valves operated nominally over the 35 second motor burn time. The valves provided more than 7,000 lbs. of thrust during the high thrust portion of the duty cycle.

The ACM is one of three motors comprising Orion’s LAS. The system is designed to carry astronauts inside the spacecraft to safety if an emergency arises on the launch pad or during Orion’s climb to orbit. In the unlikely event of an abort, the attitude control motor would steer the Orion crew module away from the launch vehicle. The ACM also orients the capsule for parachute deployment once the crew module is clear of all hazards.

NASA is working to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Orion is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Space Launch System rocket and Gateway in orbit around the Moon. Orion will sustain astronauts in deep space, provide emergency abort capability, and support a safe re-entry from lunar return velocities.

Exploring the Moon helps create a vibrant future and advance technologies, capabilities and new opportunities for future missions to Mars. Northrop Grumman is responsible for the LAS ACM through a contract with Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for Orion.

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Northrop Grumman Expands its Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Nationwide Team

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 14:00:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Feb. 25, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has added Bechtel and Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to its Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) nationwide team. Together, this expanded team is investing in the people and facilities necessary to be ready, day-one, if awarded the GBSD engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase.

GBSD is a vital U.S. Air Force program designed to modernize our nation’s aging force of inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM), the land-leg of the nuclear triad.

As part of the Northrop Grumman GBSD nationwide team, Bechtel will provide launch system design, construction and integration, and Kratos will provide other vehicle transporters including the missile transporters and payload transporter.

“We are on a path toward day-one readiness, bolstered by the addition of Bechtel and Kratos, and our team’s commitment to invest now in people and facilities in order to meet the Air Force schedule of fielding GBSD in 2029,” said Greg Manuel, vice president, GBSD enterprise, Northrop Grumman. “Together, this expanded team has the capacity, capability and credentials needed to deliver – on time – a safe, secure, reliable and effective nuclear deterrent capability for the U.S. and its allies for the next 50 years.”

Northrop Grumman announced its GBSD nationwide team in September 2019, comprised of hundreds of small, medium and large companies from across the defense, construction and engineering industries. If awarded EMD, the Northrop Grumman GBSD program will involve more than 10,000 people across the United States directly working on this critical national security program.

In August of last year, Northrop Grumman broke ground on a new facility, near Hill Air Force Base, to serve as a future headquarters for its workforce and nationwide team, with the opportunity to add thousands of jobs in the state of Utah.

Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Bechtel serves the infrastructure; nuclear, security and environmental; oil, gas and chemicals; and mining and metals markets. The company delivered silos and launch infrastructure for the U.S. Ground-based Midcourse Missile Defense program and launch infrastructure for NASA.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for U.S. national security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos specializes in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems, and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development.

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Northrop Grumman to Provide Protected Tactical SATCOM Rapid Prototype for the Space Force

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES – Feb. 24, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center to develop a Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) rapid prototype payload for an on-orbit demonstration of assured tactical communications. The company was selected for the award through the Space Enterprise Consortium.

“Since the very first protected communications mission, Northrop Grumman has been advancing technology to stay ahead of threats and help ensure this mission-enabling capability,” said Cyrus Dhalla, vice president, communications systems, Northrop Grumman. “Partnering with the Space Force, our team will demonstrate rapid prototyping by developing and delivering a PTS payload to enhance anti-jamming capabilities for our nation’s tactical forces.”

Space and Missile Systems Center’s acquisition approach emphasized collaboration with Northrop Grumman to define and accelerate a program with streamlined processes, rapid prototyping and non-traditional suppliers. Leveraging four decades of developing and operating protected payloads to support next generation protected SATCOM technology for contested environments, the company is using numerous non-traditional suppliers to help infuse more innovation and affordability into the lifecycle of the program in areas such as cybersecurity, architecture and test. As the next generation in operational capability for the protected communications mission, PTS will represent Northrop Grumman’s capacity for rapid prototyping for quick deployment.

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Northrop Grumman to Participate in Citi 2020 Global Industrials Conference

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 21:40:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Feb. 13, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will participate in Citi’s 2020 Global Industrials Conference on Thursday, Feb. 20. Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president, and Todd Ernst, corporate vice president and treasurer, vice president investor relations will present beginning at 8:45 a.m. Eastern time. The presentation will be webcast live at www.northropgrumman.com.

Note: Statements to be made at the conference, including in the presentation and in any accompanying materials, contain or may contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of the subject presentation, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Northrop Grumman Licenses New Wet-Mateable Connector Technology for Manufacturing

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:00:00 GMT

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Feb. 12, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has signed its first non-exclusive agreement to manufacture niobium-based connectors (NiobiCon™) specifically designed for harsh environments.

NiobiCon^TM is a new way of making electrical connections underwater that enables power transfer and data exchange without using seals, oil or moving parts. This technology was developed to address the inefficient recharging of unmanned vehicles in underwater environments. When the niobium connector enters in contact with the water, it creates its own thin isolating layer, which gets scraped off when the connection is made. Once disconnected, the layer instantly regenerates.

“NiobiCon^TM is a patented technology that has global commercial and defense applications,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “It is an innovative wet-mateable connector technology we have developed that will not only improve reliability and cost-effectiveness, but also revolutionize the industry. We are excited to take the first step in developing solutions for specific future applications.”

Northrop Grumman has entered into an agreement with iCONN Systems LLC, which specializes in the manufacture of connectors for harsh environments as their first non-exclusive licensee. They will work with potential customers to develop more reliable interconnects for both commercial and defense applications.

“iCONN Systems is excited to design, develop and manufacture interconnects with Northrop Grumman’s patented technology introducing true wet-mateable connector products,” said Rich Regole, CEO, iCONN Systems, LLC.

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Northrop Grumman Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:30:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Feb. 11, 2020 – The board of directors of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.32 per share on Northrop Grumman common stock, payable March 11, 2020, to shareholders of record as of the close of business Feb. 24, 2020.

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Northrop Grumman Set to Launch Cygnus Spacecraft to the International Space Station for NASA

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:45:00 GMT

WALLOPS, Va. – Feb. 7 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is set to launch the company’s Antares^TM rocket carrying its Cygnus^TM spacecraft to the International Space Station for NASA. This mission, known as NG-13, marks the company’s 13th cargo mission for NASA and the second mission under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 contract.

Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket sits on the launch pad at NASA Wallops Flight Facility in preparation for the Feb. 9 launch of the S.S. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station for the NG-13 mission.

The launch is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 5:39 p.m. ET from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0A on Wallops Island, Virginia, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, with rendezvous and berthing at the station to occur on Feb. 11. The mission will use the Antares 230+ configuration and will conduct a 24-hour late load operation.

“Antares is Northrop Grumman’s workhorse for providing commercial cargo delivery to the space station,” said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, launch and missile defense systems, Northrop Grumman. “The capability to load cargo just before launch, and the increased performance of Antares, provides NASA with the flexibility they can depend on for timely and cost effective Space Station resupply.”

For the NG-13 mission, Cygnus will carry approximately 7,500 pounds (3,400 kilograms) of cargo for the crew aboard the station. This marks the second time two Cygnus spacecraft will be in flight at the same time as the NG-12 vehicle, which remains in orbit after departing from the station on Jan. 31.

“Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft has undergone a number of upgrades throughout our 13 missions,” said Frank DeMauro, vice president and general manager, tactical space systems, Northrop Grumman. “We continue to offer NASA and our commercial customers a reliable spacecraft that not only delivers vital cargo, but is also a fully functioning science laboratory in space and has now demonstrated its ability to perform long-duration in-orbit operations.”

Once Cygnus is grappled to the International Space Station, the spacecraft will remain attached for approximately three months before departing with up to 8,200 pounds (approximately 3,720 kilograms) of cargo for disposal.

On this mission, Cygnus will once again host the Spacecraft Fire Safety Experiment – IV (Saffire-IV) providing an environment to safely study fire in microgravity. The Saffire experiment, designed by the NASA’s Glenn Research Center, has flown on three previous Cygnus missions. NG-13 will also support CubeSat deployments via SEOPS SlingShot deployer and a SEOPS hosted payload. This underscores how the Cygnus spacecraft continues to serve scientific needs and commercial business in low-Earth orbit through the second phase of its resupply missions to the space station.

Northrop Grumman names each Cygnus spacecraft in honor of individuals who have significantly contributed to the United States’ commercial space program. For the NG-13 mission, the company commemorates astronaut Major Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., the nation’s first African American astronaut. In 1967, the U.S. Air Force selected Lawrence as an astronaut for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. Although his career was cut short in a tragic accident, he paved the way for future aerospace pioneers and highlighted the need for diversity and inclusion across the industry.

Live coverage of the Antares launch and Cygnus capture and installation at the space station will be available on NASA Television at http://www.nasa.gov/live. Details about the mission including a map to show where you might see the launch are available here.

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Northrop Grumman Announces CFO Transition

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:47:00 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Feb. 5, 2020 – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) board of directors has elected David F. Keffer corporate vice president and chief financial officer, effective Feb. 17, 2020. He will report to Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president. Keffer will succeed Kenneth L. Bedingfield, who will remain with the company until Feb. 21, to facilitate a smooth transition.

“I am confident that Dave will strengthen our leadership team with his strategic, financial and business acumen, and will help our company continue to grow and perform,” said Warden. “Dave has broad experience and a proven track record of effectively leading finance organizations and driving business results.”

“On behalf of the company and the board of directors, I want to thank Ken for his many contributions over the past eight years with Northrop Grumman,” said Warden. “Ken’s leadership helped position us for our future.”

Keffer served as a general partner for Blue Delta Capital Partners, a role he held since 2018. Previously, he was chief financial officer for CSRA, Inc. and chief financial officer for SRA International. Keffer holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Georgetown University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

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Components of Northrop Grumman’s AQS-24B Minehunting System Being Manufactured in Australia

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:00:00 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia – Feb. 6, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has started to manufacture components of the AQS-24B towed minehunting system with Marand Precision Engineering in Australia, at their Moorabbin, Victoria facility.

The AQS-24 minehunting system includes an operational High Speed Synthetic Aperture Sonar (HSSAS) and an optical laser line scan sensor. The system performs high resolution detection, localization, classification and identification of mine-like objects from helicopter and unmanned surface vessel platforms at speeds up to 18 knots. Thirty one systems are currently deployed worldwide.

“Northrop Grumman is committed to providing our customers worldwide with a sustainable and affordable minehunting system,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our partnership with Australian industry enables us to source key components from local manufacturers. This approach provides Australian industry with the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our customers to transition much of the build and support of the system to them. This is our approach for the AQS-24 in Australia and worldwide.

Marand designs and manufactures complex and innovative equipment and products for the aerospace, defense, automotive, rail and renewable energy industries. The towed vehicle shell assemblies and sonar array housings being manufactured in Australia for the AQS-24B will benefit from Marand’s extensive experience on other successful programs such as the F-35. Assemblies will be delivered this summer to satisfy existing spares contracts Northrop Grumman has to support fielded and operational AQS-24 systems.

“This is fantastic news; we are thrilled to be selected by Northrop Grumman as their partner for the AQS-24B program,” said Steve Mellor, general manager of Marand Defence Partnerships. “Having received our very first order from Northrop Grumman was an important step towards a long term relationship.”

Northrop Grumman has also expanded its current partnership with Sydney-based Electrotech Australia Pty Ltd, who currently performs post-delivery support of Northrop Grumman navigation and radar systems operating in Australia, to include future sustainment of the AQS-24B mine hunting sensor systems. Electrotech is the industry service leader for marine electronics and satellite communications equipment in Australia.

“The partnership with Northrop Grumman has been an excellent one for over 20 years,” said Stephen Renkert, CEO of Electrotech. “We welcome the opportunity to add the highly successful AQS-24 to our portfolio.”

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