Orbital ATK Company History and Capabilities

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Orbital ATK has a rich history that spans over three decades. The company was founded in 1982 by a group of entrepreneurs who were passionate about space exploration and defense technology.

Orbital ATK's early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to satellite manufacturing and launch services. The company's first satellite, the P-791, was launched in 1989 and marked a significant milestone in the industry.

Orbital ATK's capabilities are diverse and extensive, with expertise in areas such as space systems, defense systems, and aerospace and defense technologies. The company has a strong presence in the global market, with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries around the world.

Company Information

Orbital ATK is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corp.

Orbital ATK was acquired by Northrop Grumman Corp for $7.8 billion. The company is now known as Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems has approximately 14,000 employees across the U.S. The company delivers space, defense, and aviation systems for customers as a contractor and merchant supplier. Its products include launch vehicles, satellites, and aerospace structures.

The company's launch system, Antares, utilizes Northrop's MACH avionics system, engineering standards, and test processes common to Northrop Grumman's family of Pegasus and Minotaur launch vehicles.

Flight Systems Group

Credit: youtube.com, We Are Flight Systems Group

The Flight Systems Group is based in Chandler, Arizona. It's a significant operation with a wide range of capabilities.

The group includes the Pegasus, Minotaur, and Antares launch vehicles, as well as solid-propulsion and aerostructures programs. These are all important components of the company's space-related work.

The company also operates a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar wide body jetliner, which is named Stargazer and is used to air launch Pegasus rockets carrying payloads into space. This unique aircraft plays a crucial role in the company's launch operations.

The Stargazer aircraft is also used for testing under specific programs, showcasing the company's versatility and commitment to innovation.

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Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems is the new name for Orbital ATK, a company that was acquired by Northrop Grumman Corp. for $7.8 billion.

The company is a global security firm with a presence in the US, employing approximately 14,000 people across the country.

Orbital ATK delivered space, defense, and aviation systems for customers as a contractor and merchant supplier, with products including launch vehicles, satellites, and aerospace structures.

A unique perspective: Orbital Sciences Corporation

Credit: youtube.com, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation

The company's Antares launch system is utilized for launching payloads to the International Space Station (ISS), with the Cygnus spacecraft on board successfully completing its berthing maneuvers with the ISS in May.

Northrop Grumman's MACH avionics system, engineering standards, and test processes are used in the Antares launch system, which is also common to Northrop Grumman's family of Pegasus and Minotaur launch vehicles.

The company's president is Blake Larson, who previously served as the chief operating officer of Orbital ATK and has been elected as corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Orbital ATK still exist?

No, Orbital ATK no longer exists as a standalone company, having been acquired by Northrop Grumman in 2018. The acquisition marked the end of Orbital ATK's independent operations.

What does ATK stand for in Orbital ATK?

ATK stands for Alliant Techsystems Inc., the original name of the company before it was rebranded as Orbital ATK. The name change reflects the company's expansion into space exploration and satellite technology.

What is ATK called now?

Orbital ATK is now known as Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. This change reflects the company's continued growth and evolution in the aerospace industry.

When did Northrop Grumman by Orbital ATK?

Northrop Grumman acquired Orbital ATK on June 6, 2018. Learn more about the merger and its tax/cost basis implications.

Tasha Schumm

Junior Writer

Tasha Schumm is a skilled writer with a passion for simplifying complex topics. With a focus on corporate taxation, business taxes, and related subjects, Tasha has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the industry. Her articles cover a range of topics, from in-depth explanations of corporate taxation in the United States to informative lists and definitions of key business terms.

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