Redmond Operations Recognized As Outstanding Supplier

Aerojet's Redmond operations have been awarded United Space Alliance's (USA) prestigious Space Flight Awareness Supplier Award, the company announced Thursday.

With only 21 awards granted by USA throughout the last decade, this honor is granted to companies that consistently provide outstanding performance in support of NASA's human space flight programs. Aerojet was nominated by USA logistics engineer, Roy Good, and supported by USA's senior leadership panel. This award recognizes Aerojet for the company's exceptional performance throughout almost three decades of the nation's space shuttle program. Specifically, Aerojet received the award for distinguishing itself by demonstrating the highest level of product quality, excelling in technical and cost performance and adhering to challenging schedules.

The award was presented to Aerojet's space shuttle team today during a special event held in Redmond, WA. Former USA CEO and Astronaut Mike McCulley presented the award and discussed his personal experiences aboard the shuttle. Also in attendance were Mike Jones, vice president of Logistics and Material, Ann Martt, vice president and program manager, Constellation; Brian Breen, International Space Station program manager, Gary Henderson, Supplier Relations, and Logistics Engineer Heather Baird.

In addition to the awards presentation, the Redmond team conducted a tour of the facility to view the museum exhibit highlighting Aerojet's contributions as far back as Apollo and as recently as the Constellation program. Visiting guests included Aerojet retirees and local dignitaries from Senator Murray's office, King County Regional Representative, Sergio Cueva-Flores, and from Senator Cantwell's office, and King County Outreach Director, Nate Caminos, along with Staff Assistant, Tommy Bauer.

Aerojet manufactures the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines and the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters that have flown on every space shuttle mission since its launch inception in 1981, as well as the gas generators supporting the Auxiliary Power Units on both the Orbiter and the Solid Rocket Boosters.

"We are extremely honored to receive this award," said Vice President of Space and Launch Systems, Julie Van Kleeck. "From the Apollo days through today, we are proud to play a huge role in the advancement of space."

FMI: www.aerojet.com