Lockheed Martin Space stands out as one of America’s top aerospace contractors. They design spacecraft for government agencies and commercial partners in three main sectors.
You’ll find their expertise runs deep in satellite systems, human spaceflight, and defense tech. These strengths drive both exploration and national security work.
Lockheed Martin has influenced space exploration for over half a century. They built essential hardware for big missions like the Hubble Space Telescope and Atlas rockets.
The company formed through mergers in the defense world. Their space division brought together teams specializing in satellites, planetary science, and military space projects.
Key historical achievements? Well, they created GPS satellites, Mars rovers, missile warning systems, and the Orion spacecraft for NASA’s Artemis program.
In 2022, Lockheed Martin shook up its space operations. They grouped commercial civil space, national security space, and strategic missile defense into three clear sectors.
Lockheed Martin Space works with big names like NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency. They handle everything from research to mission ops.
Deep space exploration is a huge focus. They build spacecraft, instruments, and robotic systems to study planets and stars.
Their human spaceflight work includes the Orion crew capsule and lunar systems. These will take astronauts to the Moon and, one day, Mars.
They also create weather satellites and Earth observation tech. Meteorologists use these to improve forecasts and monitor the environment.
For national security, they deliver missile warning satellites, secure communications, and GPS support. More than 23,000 employees worldwide keep these missions running.
Lockheed Martin Space faces off with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX for major contracts. They lean on decades of proven missions and reliability.
They don’t just stick to U.S. markets, either. Lockheed Martin teams up with allied nations for shared defense and exploration goals.
Long-term government contracts bring in billions each year. Many programs last decades, giving the company steady funding for new ideas.
Emerging markets are on their radar too, like commercial satellite services and space manufacturing. They’re using their government know-how to help private customers get into space.
Lockheed Martin covers three major satellite areas for government and commercial clients. They handle advanced communications networks, Earth observation, and navigation tech.
Lockheed Martin builds satellites that connect military, government, and commercial users worldwide. Their SmartSat software platform makes these satellites flexible and updatable.
With SmartSat, operators can change missions after launch. They upload new apps and tweak functions—no need to build new hardware. That saves money and keeps satellites useful longer.
They work with SpaceX and other launch companies to boost data speeds. These partnerships target both military communications and commercial internet access.
Their satellites pack advanced antennas and high-frequency radios. They deliver secure voice, data, and video across the globe.
Lockheed Martin builds satellites that watch Earth’s surface, weather, and environment. They use infrared sensors, cameras, and radar to gather images and data.
The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer is a big leap in sensing. It includes 16 missile warning and 2 fire control satellites that keep tabs on global threats.
Each satellite uses infrared sensors from General Atomics and bus systems from Terran Orbital. Their Colorado plant can pump out up to 180 small satellites a year.
These Earth observation satellites help track disasters, monitor crops, and assess climate. Businesses use the data for farming, insurance, and city planning.
Lockheed Martin builds satellites for GPS and other navigation networks. These systems give location data accurate within a few meters, anywhere.
They develop both military and civilian navigation satellites. Military models use encrypted signals that are tough to jam or fake.
Navigation satellites need atomic clocks and precise orbits. Lockheed Martin combines these with comms systems and backup power.
Their latest GPS satellites offer stronger, more accurate signals. These work with ground stations to guide planes, ships, and mobile devices worldwide.
Lockheed Martin Space has built spacecraft that have reached every planet in our solar system. They design missions to the Moon, visit distant asteroids, and create systems that protect craft during tough landings.
Lockheed Martin Space leads as NASA’s main contractor for the Orion spacecraft. Orion will take astronauts back to the Moon as part of Artemis.
They built the Lunar Prospector mission in 1998. That spacecraft found the first signs of water ice at the Moon’s poles, a discovery that changed lunar science.
GRAIL Mission Success: In 2011, the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission mapped the Moon’s gravity. Lockheed Martin engineered and ran this two-spacecraft mission. The data revealed the Moon’s inner structure and history.
Lunar Trailblazer is their next project. It’ll map water ice on the Moon’s surface, building on years of lunar know-how.
The Orion capsule, at 16.5 feet wide, uses advanced heat shield tech. This protects astronauts during fast reentries from lunar distances.
Every NASA Mars mission uses Lockheed Martin Space hardware. They make landers, orbiters, and heat shields for Mars exploration.
Lockheed Martin designs aeroshells that protect landers during planetary entry. These systems handle extreme heat as craft hit Mars’ atmosphere at 12,000 mph.
Mars Sample Return: Lockheed Martin leads the way in bringing Martian soil back to Earth. This mission uses a lighter, simpler design for efficiency.
They’re eyeing Venus and Saturn’s moon Titan for future missions. Venus probes must survive 900-degree heat—no easy feat.
Their spacecraft have visited Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Each planet needed its own tech due to unique distances and conditions.
OSIRIS-REx grabbed samples from asteroid Bennu with Lockheed Martin tech. The spacecraft used Natural Feature Tracking to map and move around the asteroid on its own. That let it collect samples from 200 million miles away.
Lucy Mission: Lucy will visit 10 asteroids over 12 years, targeting Jupiter’s Trojans. The mission aims to study these ancient objects.
The Stardust mission brought comet samples home. Lockheed Martin built the systems that caught particles moving six times faster than a rifle bullet.
Genesis collected solar wind particles in space. The craft used special materials to catch atoms from the Sun, revealing its makeup.
Small Body Expertise: Lockheed Martin Space craft can orbit tiny asteroids with pinpoint accuracy. Their systems hold position even with weak gravity, allowing close-up science.
Lockheed Martin is NASA’s go-to contractor for the Orion spacecraft. Orion will carry astronauts on lunar missions starting in 2026.
They’ve built the key infrastructure that lets NASA aim for a lasting human presence on the Moon—and, eventually, Mars.
Lockheed Martin finished building and testing Orion for Artemis II in May 2025. Orion is the most advanced deep space crew vehicle out there.
Key Safety Features:
Artemis II will send four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the Moon. It’s the first time Orion and the Space Launch System rocket will carry people.
Orion improved a lot after Artemis I. Most upgrades focus on crew safety and reliability for deep space.
Lockheed Martin has contracts for Orion through Artemis VIII. They’re cutting costs but keeping quality high for future missions.
Orion is NASA’s crew vehicle for Artemis missions. It’ll help land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
NASA picked three companies in 2020 to build Human Landing Systems. These work with Orion to get astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface.
The Artemis program is more than just Orion. The Lunar Gateway and other landers create a full lunar infrastructure.
Lockheed Martin works with international partners through the Artemis Accords. These agreements set ground rules for peaceful lunar exploration.
The company builds processing and ground systems for Orion. These get the spacecraft ready for launch and support missions.
Processing Steps:
Lockheed Martin’s role goes beyond building spacecraft. They help expand the space workforce and develop new tech for the space economy.
The Artemis program brings jobs to Colorado, Florida, and more. Lockheed Martin’s facilities in these states support human spaceflight.
Orion’s technology is a stepping stone to Mars. Its deep space abilities will enable future crewed missions beyond the Moon.
Lockheed Martin Space runs the Solar and Astrophysics Lab in Palo Alto. For over fifty years, they’ve managed solar telescopes and observation systems.
They build instruments for NASA missions and invent new tech to study space weather and solar activity.
The Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory builds some pretty advanced instruments to keep an eye on the sun. With these tools, scientists get a better handle on solar flares and the wild weather happening out in space.
Lockheed Martin designed the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly for NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This setup uses four telescopes to snap detailed pictures of the sun’s outer layers.
They also worked on instruments for NASA’s MUSE mission, which cleared its critical design review in 2024. MUSE is set to launch in 2027 and will use a bunch of observation techniques to study solar activity.
Key Sun Observation Technologies:
These missions give us early warnings about nasty space weather. Solar storms can mess with satellites and even knock out power grids here on Earth.
Lockheed Martin Space doesn’t just focus on the sun—they dive deep into space exploration, too. The company builds telescopes and sensors to study distant stars and planets.
Their Advanced Technology Center comes up with some seriously sophisticated imaging tech for peering into the cosmos. These systems pick up faint signals from objects billions of miles away.
Lockheed Martin Ventures has put money into new propulsion tech as well. They’ve backed Helicity Space, which is working on fusion-powered spacecraft for those really long-term observation missions.
Engineers keep pushing these cosmic telescope projects forward with new materials and detection methods. Space can be brutal, but innovation keeps things moving.
Telescopes in space dodge all the atmospheric interference you get on the ground. That means we get much clearer views of what’s going on out there.
Lockheed Martin Space handles massive amounts of data from all these solar and cosmic missions. Scientists rely on advanced computer systems to analyze info from multiple telescopes at once.
The Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory leads the science operations for a bunch of NASA missions. Their teams dig into solar observations to predict space weather and spot cosmic events.
Real-time data processing lets them catch dangerous solar activity fast. Ground controllers warn astronauts and satellite operators about incoming radiation storms.
Data Processing Capabilities:
Lockheed Martin shares observation data with universities and research centers all over the world. This teamwork helps everyone learn more about solar physics and what’s happening out in space.
Machine learning tools help scientists catch weird patterns in telescope data. Sometimes these systems spot new discoveries before any human does.
Lockheed Martin Space keeps pushing the edge with quantum communications, hypersonic propulsion, and greener ways to operate in orbit. Their SmartSat architecture and AI-driven satellite systems are shaping what’s next for space.
Lockheed Martin develops quantum communication systems that deliver unhackable data transmission for both government and commercial satellites. These quantum networks use photon encryption, so any interception attempt gets spotted instantly.
Their laser communication terminals move data between spacecraft and ground stations at blazing speeds—up to 100 times faster than old-school radio.
Key quantum technologies include:
The Advanced Technology Center tests quantum radar systems that can spot stealth aircraft and even space debris. These sensors check quantum correlations between sent and received signals to pick out targets.
The SmartSat software platform brings AI decision-making to satellites. Spacecraft can now reconfigure their missions on the fly, depending on what’s happening.
Lockheed Martin designs hypersonic vehicles that hit speeds above Mach 5 for quick space access and defense. These craft use scramjet engines, which compress air for combustion at insane speeds.
The advanced materials division makes carbon nanotube composites and metamaterials for building spacecraft. These lightweight materials hold up in space and help cut launch costs.
Material innovations include:
Their hypersonic test facilities can simulate flight conditions up to Mach 25. Engineers use wind tunnels and plasma chambers to check out new propulsion ideas and thermal protection.
Additive manufacturing—3D printing, basically—lets them prototype spacecraft parts way faster. Instead of waiting months, they can turn out custom designs in weeks.
Lockheed Martin builds electric propulsion systems that slash fuel needs by up to 90 percent. These ion thrusters use xenon gas and a jolt of electricity to keep satellites on track.
They also work on debris removal tech to tackle the mess of space junk. Robotic arms and nets grab dead satellites and send them off to safer orbits.
Sustainability initiatives include:
Their satellite servicing capabilities stretch mission lifespans with in-space repairs and upgrades. Robotic servicers handle tasks like swapping out batteries, adding new instruments, or boosting satellites to higher orbits.
Lockheed Martin teams up with commercial launch providers to cut mission costs and shrink the environmental footprint. Reusable rockets and rideshares make it easier for small satellites to reach space.
Lockheed Martin weaves AI systems into spacecraft operations for autonomous decisions and instant data crunching. Their AI-powered satellites keep an eye on themselves and can predict failures before they become a problem.
Lockheed Martin puts AI agents in charge of spacecraft, so they don’t need humans watching 24/7. Their T-TAURI system keeps tabs on satellite telemetry for two Pony Express 2 smallsats and predicts potential failures faster than people can.
Mission controllers can jump on problems before they get serious. AI systems keep scanning sensor data and flag anything weird.
Lockheed Martin’s ARISE system uses AI to process tons of mission data. It standardizes modeling and simulation across different spacecraft, so mission planning and execution go a lot faster.
They also work on DARPA’s Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements program. This contract focuses on AI tools for dynamic airborne missions and aims to hit tactical autonomy for multi-ship operations outside visual range.
Modern Lockheed Martin satellites come with AI processors that make decisions in real time. These satellites adapt to changing space conditions and learn from their environment.
NEC Corporation’s System Invariant Analysis Technology helps Lockheed Martin spot spacecraft anomalies. The AI learns what “normal” looks like from sensor data and then flags anything off.
Originally, this tech worked for computers and factories, but Lockheed Martin tweaked it for space. Now, it can process thousands of data points from multiple sensors at once.
AI-powered satellites even optimize their own power use and communication schedules. They don’t have to wait for Earth to tell them what to do, which means faster responses and better efficiency.
Lockheed Martin uses AI to build digital twins of Earth’s weather for NOAA. The system crunches data from satellites and ground sensors to model global weather in real time.
Their AI tools help the Navy’s Aegis Combat System spot threats. Machine learning sorts through radar and sensor data to flag dangers, supporting updates for destroyers dealing with maritime threats.
Space-based AI systems collect and process imagery for intelligence. These systems can automatically spot changes in terrain or infrastructure and flag things for human analysts to check out.
AI data processing lets spacecraft handle info that would swamp human operators. These systems pull together data from all over and highlight what matters. As satellite constellations grow, this kind of capability becomes more and more important.
Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto drives breakthrough innovations in space tech. The ATC develops new spacecraft systems, leads space weather research, and teams up with NASA and international groups to push both commercial and scientific exploration further.
The Advanced Technology Center acts as Lockheed Martin Space’s main research hub. In Palo Alto, you’ll find specialized labs—two of them even have atomic particle accelerators, which is pretty rare.
ATC engineers design and build spacecraft for NASA’s Small Explorer missions. These projects cost less than $120 million each. They built the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph at this facility.
The center focuses on making space tech that’s lighter, cheaper, and quicker to produce. That means more frequent missions and lower costs for commercial clients.
Space weather research is a big deal at ATC. Scientists there study the sun’s behavior and how it affects Earth’s climate. They also work on predicting space weather that can mess with satellites and communication.
In 2014, the Advanced Materials & Thermal Sciences Center opened its 82,000-square-foot doors. This place offers state-of-the-art labs for testing and developing new materials.
ATC develops critical technologies for military and commercial space. The center creates systems that defend satellites from interference and cyber attacks.
Communication satellite tech gets a lot of attention at ATC. Engineers work on advanced antenna designs and signal processing to boost global connectivity for everyone—military and civilian.
Missile defense systems are another big focus. ATC engineers design space-based sensors to spot and track ballistic missiles, giving early warning for national defense.
They also build tech for space situational awareness. These systems keep tabs on objects in orbit and predict collision risks, helping protect satellites from space debris.
Cybersecurity research tackles threats to space infrastructure. ATC teams create secure communication protocols and defensive systems for satellites and ground stations.
ATC manages partnerships with research institutions and government agencies. The Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory joins them on instrument development. Montana State University brings in specialized research skills.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center works closely with ATC on mission planning and execution. This mix of government and commercial know-how makes for stronger missions. Science institutes worldwide jump in on various projects, too.
The center brings together Lockheed Martin teams and outside partners. This collaboration puts a lot of expertise on tough space missions. International partnerships expand what’s possible.
Technology transfer programs share new ideas across different space uses. Military breakthroughs often help commercial projects and the other way around, speeding up innovation for everyone.
Nelson Pedreiro leads the Advanced Technology Center. Under his direction, the facility keeps growing its research to tackle new space challenges.
Lockheed Martin Space develops crucial defense systems to protect the United States from missile threats and watch over global activities from space. The company builds satellite constellations for early warning and creates layered defense networks that stretch from ground-based radars up to space-based interceptors.
Lockheed Martin runs the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation, which gives round-the-clock missile warning. These satellites spot heat signatures from missile launches just seconds after ignition.
They’re already working on the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared GEO (NGG) system to swap out the older SBIRS satellites. NGG brings sharper sensitivity and better tracking for new and evolving threats.
Lockheed Martin also backs the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) with hundreds of interconnected satellites. This network keeps a steady eye on multiple orbital planes.
Space-based interceptors are probably the next big leap in missile defense tech. These systems need advanced orbital logistics, propulsion, and onboard processing, all of which Lockheed Martin is developing right now.
The Atlas V launch vehicle gets national security payloads into orbit for the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies. This rocket gives reliable access to space for classified missions.
The Ground-Based Missile Defense (GMD) system serves as America’s strategic defense backbone. Lockheed Martin works on the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, which brings in interceptors with multiple kill vehicles to replace older ones.
THAAD and PAC-3 MSE systems protect forward-deployed forces in regional hotspots. These interceptors have shown real combat effectiveness in places like Europe and the Middle East.
Advanced radar systems—Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), TPY-6, and Sentinel A4—create a networked detection grid. These radars track and identify maneuvering threats with impressive precision.
The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) system ties all the defense layers together. This network shares threat data quickly between ground stations, ships, and satellites to coordinate responses.
Lockheed Martin teams up with the United States Space Force through the National Security Space Launch program. This partnership keeps military and intelligence satellites reliably reaching orbit.
They also work with the Space Development Agency to build tough, resilient satellite constellations. These partnerships help roll out next-gen space architectures faster.
NASA and Lockheed Martin join forces on dual-use technologies for both exploration and national security. This collaboration cuts down on development costs while pushing capabilities forward.
Boeing used to compete with Lockheed Martin in launch services via the Delta IV and Atlas V programs. That rivalry spurred innovation in heavy-lift rockets for national security.
Lockheed Martin is shaping the commercial space sector by partnering with tech companies and government agencies. They’re putting a lot of effort into building sustainable space operations and new markets through advanced logistics.
Lockheed Martin teams up with both traditional defense giants and rising tech firms to expand space capabilities. They partner with companies like Intel and IBM, blending expertise to drive economic growth.
These partnerships spark quick innovation in satellite networks and autonomous systems. Lockheed Martin collaborates with non-traditional space companies to create collaborative combat aircraft and low Earth orbit satellite systems.
Their approach mixes government contracts with commercial ventures. This dual strategy cuts costs and speeds up tech development across industries.
Key partnership areas include:
Lockheed Martin develops comprehensive logistics systems to support lunar and Mars exploration. Their water-based lunar architecture uses water as a resource, combined with nuclear-enabled propulsion.
Missile defense interceptors in space need advanced logistics and propulsion. Lockheed Martin builds systems that support tracking sensors and real-time decision-making in orbit.
They’re focusing on resilient multi-path communication networks. These networks keep space assets connected and protected from both physical and cyber threats.
Lockheed Martin’s 5G.mil technology provides secure satellite-to-handset communication. It skips over vulnerable ground networks, offering direct space-based connectivity.
Lockheed Martin uses anti-fragility principles to add redundancy to space systems. This approach keeps missions ready, even if something goes wrong or systems get attacked.
The company upgrades systems every three to six months, using both digital and physical improvements. Nuclear missile sensing satellites get frequent enhancements through this fast upgrade cycle.
Their vision for the space economy stretches to 2050, with plans for power beaming and laser communications. Lockheed Martin wants to enable in-situ construction for sustainable lunar living.
The space economy could reach $1.8 trillion, fueled by satellite tech and commercial demand. Lockheed Martin aims to capture this growth by miniaturizing and making spacecraft more software-driven.
Lockheed Martin has laid out a bold plan through 2050, focusing on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear power for deep space. They’re betting on regular commercial lunar flights and autonomous robots to change how we explore space.
The Destination: Space 2050 initiative highlights three core technologies for the future. Artificial intelligence will handle autonomous decision-making when communication delays make real-time control impossible.
Lockheed Martin expects AI to process data from thousands of satellites at once. These systems will make tough decisions without humans, especially on Mars or in deep space.
Quantum computing is the second big pillar. They’re developing quantum algorithms for space, including quantum communications and remote sensing.
Nuclear power will drive high-power missions and enable faster propulsion. These systems will help spacecraft reach far-off destinations and support energy-hungry scientific gear.
They picked 2050 as a target because it gives enough time for truly game-changing technology. By then, Lockheed Martin expects regular cargo and passenger runs between Earth and the Moon.
Lockheed Martin plans missions to establish a permanent human presence beyond Earth orbit. Lunar operations will focus on resource extraction and processing to make fuel and life support materials right on the Moon.
They picture crews moving around and building on other worlds with Earth-like mobility. Advanced habitats will support long missions, while robots take care of risky or boring jobs.
Multi-mission spacecraft are set to replace today’s single-purpose vehicles. Right now, missions need to be self-sufficient, but future infrastructure will let planners buy capabilities as needed instead of building everything from scratch.
Deep space missions will depend on autonomous AI systems that handle surprises without waiting for Earth. These systems will use causal autonomy tools to solve problems on the fly.
Cislunar space will host the computing backbone for both government and commercial operations. This network will offer cloud services for lunar missions and Earth-Moon transport.
Growth in the space industry demands new skills in quantum computing, AI, and nuclear systems. Lockheed Martin trains engineers to develop quantum algorithms and autonomous systems for space.
They emphasize cross-disciplinary teams that blend classic aerospace engineering with cutting-edge tech. Engineers need to know both spacecraft design and advanced computing to build the next wave of space vehicles.
Commercial partnerships will speed up technology development by pooling resources and expertise. Crescent Space, a Lockheed Martin venture, will deliver specialized lunar communications and navigation.
Space 2050 planning brings together government agencies and commercial companies worldwide. International agreements like the Artemis Accords lay the groundwork for shared tech and mission planning.
The industry will need people who can design, build, and run space-based factories. These jobs will combine manufacturing know-how with the unique challenges of space, like radiation and vacuum.
People have a lot of questions about career paths, locations, internships, major projects, company branding, and spacecraft development at Lockheed Martin. These topics cover the essentials for anyone interested in the space industry or working with this aerospace giant.
Lockheed Martin Space employs over 23,000 people worldwide in a range of specialties. They actively recruit for roles in spacecraft design, mission integration, software development, and systems engineering.
Career paths include deep space exploration, human spaceflight programs, national security space, and missile defense. Engineers work on everything from Mars missions to lunar vehicles.
The space division looks for folks with backgrounds in aerospace engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and systems integration. Many jobs require security clearances because of their national security focus.
Entry-level roles are open to recent grads, while experienced professionals can aim for senior engineering or program management. Manufacturing, testing, and mission operations also offer plenty of opportunities.
Lockheed Martin Space operates from several locations in the U.S. The main centers are in Colorado, California, and Florida.
Denver, Colorado is a big hub for satellite development and space exploration. This site handles spacecraft assembly and testing for both commercial and government projects.
California sites focus on advanced tech and deep space missions. These teams work on planetary exploration and scientific spacecraft.
Florida operations handle launch activities and mission support. Teams there work closely with NASA and other launch providers to get spacecraft into orbit.
Lockheed Martin offers summer internships through various programs, including NASA partnerships. The Lucy Mission, for example, gives students 10-week internships at places like NASA Goddard and Lockheed Martin Space facilities.
Students can apply through the company’s website or university career centers. Many internships are available to those in programs like NASA L’SPACE Academy.
Internships cover engineering, software, mission planning, and project management. Students get to work on real projects with experienced engineers and scientists.
Applications usually open months before the summer. Strong academic records in aerospace engineering, computer science, or physics definitely help.
The Orion spacecraft is one of the biggest human spaceflight projects. This vehicle will take astronauts to the Moon with NASA’s Artemis program.
National security work includes the Next Generation Interceptor and missile warning systems. Lockheed Martin also develops GPS satellites and secure military communications.
Exploration missions cover Mars rovers and planetary research spacecraft. The company builds instruments for studying asteroids, planets, and more.
Weather and Earth science projects involve satellites for environmental monitoring. These systems help improve weather forecasting and climate research.
The Lockheed Martin logo came from the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta in 1995. The star symbol stands for the company’s aerospace roots and space exploration mission.
Design elements in the logo tie back to both aviation and space, reflecting decades of history. Both original companies played major roles in early space and military aerospace programs.
The star motif shows up across all divisions, including space. This unified branding signals the company’s integrated approach to aerospace and defense.
The logo has changed a bit over the years but keeps its core look. You’ll see it on spacecraft, buildings, and mission patches for many space programs.
The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is probably the most well-known human spacecraft they’ve worked on. It’s designed to carry astronauts out to deep space—think the Moon, and maybe Mars if all goes well.
Lockheed Martin also builds a ton of military and intelligence satellites. You’ll find things like GPS navigation satellites in their portfolio, plus some top-secret reconnaissance systems that support national security.
On the science side, they’ve sent Mars landers, asteroid probes, and planetary orbiters out into the solar system. Their vehicles have explored way beyond Earth, which is honestly pretty cool.
And let’s not forget weather satellites. These help meteorologists watch storms and keep an eye on environmental changes from orbit.