Company Profile
The Aerospace Corporation
Company Overview
About The Aerospace Corporation
In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering.
Providing Objective Analysis and Innovative Solutions
As an independent, nonprofit corporation operating the only FFRDC for the space enterprise, The Aerospace Corporation performs objective technical analyses and assessments for a variety of government, civil, and commercial customers.
Launch Assurance
Spanning all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations, mission success at The Aerospace Corporation is the result of decades of experience, a highly-skilled technical staff, and specialized tools developed to tackle the challenges of space.
Satellites and Orbits
As satellite technology enters a new era, The Aerospace Corporation remains the leading authority on the development, launch, and deployment of space systems.
Center for Space Policy and Strategy
Space is a dynamic environment, with rapidly growing opportunities and threats. Navigating this complex domain requires experience and vision.
Space Exploration
As technology puts new horizons within reach, The Aerospace Corporation is helping humanity explore our galaxy from the Moon to Mars and beyond.
Research and Development
Functioning as the nation’s independent testing, assessment, and research center for national security space systems, our more than 80 specialized laboratories test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite systems.
Shaping the Future, Inspiring the Next Generation
Aerospace is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists and to nurturing Aerospace employees where they live and work. We strive to cultivate a rich tapestry of top talent from many walks of life, and we demonstrate honorable corporate citizenry by meeting our own needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.
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Company History
Aerospace’s early years were defined by the ambitious projects that are now synonymous with the early days of space exploration. As one of its first projects, the corporation helped convert the Atlas, Titan, and Minuteman missiles into space boosters. Aerospace helped develop the pilot safety program for Project Mercury, which improved the reliability of the Atlas launch vehicles and helped ensure the safety of the astronauts.
Along with working on verification guidance equations, factory inspections, and final launch stand verifications at Cape Kennedy, Aerospace was part of the team involved in man-rating CLV-1, the first Gemini launch vehicle. Aerospace also helped to support the first manned Gemini flight—a five-hour mission carried out by astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young.
Discoverer blockhouse at Vandenberg AFB in 1960.
The Discoverer blockhouse at Vandenberg AFB in 1960.
The corporation worked on some of the earliest space-based reconnaissance programs, including Discoverer and Corona, both of which were satellite programs designed to take photos from space. Aerospace also began working on in Project 621B, a precursor to the GPS program.
During the early years, the company’s first president, Dr. Ivan Getting, set the tone for many of the corporate values that are still central to Aerospace’s culture. Getting placed a high value on objectivity and technical excellence, and he recognized that Aerospace’s employees were the talent that was central to the corporation’s success.
Aerospace Expands Its Reach
At the close of the 1960s, with the moon landing accomplished, the tenor at Aerospace shifted. Aerospace continued to play an important role in space, but the corporation also began to expand its work in the civil and commercial sectors. The corporation tackled projects in fields ranging from medicine and transportation, to energy and the environment. During this time, Aerospace also did work for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, including important research on body armor that aided in the development of Kevlar for use in bulletproof vests.
Hybrid engine concept undergoes testing in 1970
A hybrid engine concept undergoes testing in 1970.
Aerospace provided critical support to the Department of Energy’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve program in the late 1970s. The aim of the project was to create a store of petroleum that would protect the country against disruptions in the oil supply.
Another large project that Aerospace helped to tackle in the 1970s was the development and operation of the space shuttle. As this ambitious project ramped up, data obtained in Aerospace’s analyses was incorporated into the design specifications. Among other things, the corporation helped to determined how large the vehicles’ cargo bay needed to be and the necessary payload capacity, it helped create a design for a device that would measure slight deformations that arose from uneven solar heating of the orbiter’s structure, and it also helped to test and evaluate the shuttle to make sure that it would meet the Air Force’s requirements.
Sam Imamoto assembles prototype electronics for a sheath electric fields experiment flown on the SCATHA satellite.
Sam Imamoto assembles prototype electronics for a sheath electric fields experiment flown on the SCATHA satellite.
Aerospace was also involved with President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), popularly known as Star Wars. In the early 1980s, SDI was conceived as a way to protect the United States from nuclear ballistic missile attacks using ground-, air-, and space-based systems.
Aerospace played an important role in developing many technological components of SDI: surveillance and radar, satellite autonomy, survivable systems (a system’s ability to withstand attacks or other adverse circumstances), thermal control, tribology (the study of friction, wear, and lubrication between surfaces), magnetosphere physics, electronics, and hypergolic propellant handling.
The Global Positioning System
During the Persian Gulf War of 1991, GPS first received widespread publicity. Though not fully operational at the time, the system had a significant impact on military operations, enabling allied forces to coordinate their movements in the featureless Iraqi desert and achieve a rapid victory with a minimum of casualties.
In 1992, as a member of the GPS team, Aerospace shared the nation’s most prestigious aeronautical award, the Collier Trophy. The citation accompanying the award called GPS “the most significant development for safe and efficient navigation and surveillance of air and spacecraft since the introduction of radio navigation 50 years ago.”
The award was a capstone to three decades of difficult development work, remarkable innovation, and tireless advocacy by Aerospace personnel, often at a time when only a handful of people recognized the system’s enormous potential.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
The corporation employed 3,900 workers with 73% representing technical staff. Among the technical staff, more than 26% are Ph.D.s, 42% have Masters of Science degrees, 24% have Bachelors of Science degrees, and 8% either have non-technical degrees or no degree.
65% of the technical staff joined Aerospace from the private industry; 23% were university staff or students; 7% were government workers; 3% came from nonprofits, and 2% came from other types of businesses. Our technical staff has degrees in a wide range of disciplines including mechanical/aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and other engineering or science degrees. Other disciplines include physics, math, chemistry, civil and chemical degrees.
Benefits
In addition to tuition reimbursement for approved work-related courses, Aerospace offers internal resources such as technical, management, and professional development classes to ensure you have the resources needed for continuing education in your field.
Many of Aerospace’s professional development courses and resources are offered through Aerospace University (AU). Established in 1994, AU provides staff development and skills training to enhance your professional excellence and productivity, as well as accommodate individual career and organizational goals.
We also offer workshops and lunchtime seminars on a variety of topics, including leadership, personal development, financial planning, and technical seminars.
Since Aerospace qualifies as a not-for-profit organization that is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), employees can also apply, for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. If you qualify, the remaining balance due on direct student loans may be reduced or possibly forgiven.
Health and Wellness
An Employee Assistance Program as well as a pre- and post-natal support program for both mothers and fathers are available at no cost to you. A free 24-hour nurse line is also available, allowing employees to access useful, easy-to-understand information—24/7—to help you make sound healthcare decisions.
Additionally, Aerospace offers on-campus wellness events and activities, including a walking club, weekly organic vegetable delivery, Weight Watchers, yoga (El Segundo location), and fitness facilities (El Segundo and Chantilly locations).
Flexibility
Most of Aerospace’s full-time employees have the option of working a 9/80 schedule, with alternating Fridays off.
On-Campus Dining
There are onsite dining options in both Chantilly (Virginia) and El Segundo (California), as well as common areas to meet with coworkers to enjoy coffee, snacks, or lunch.
Social Clubs
A selection of social clubs—from dragon boat racing to book clubs—is available to all employees who wish to participate, allowing coworkers to get to know each other outside the office. If one does not fit your particular interest, you are welcome to start a new one!
Commuter Services and Rideshare Programs
Convenient cycling, vanpool, and rideshare programs are available.