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Huntsville plays role in Boeing landing recognition for support of International Space Station

Space-related operations conducted by Boeing’s Huntsville workforce have contributed to the aerospace titan’s recognition from the Aviation Week Program for its support of the International Space Station (ISS).

The Aviation Week Network Program Excellence awards are given to aerospace and defense industry leaders for the recognition of outstanding performance of work related to advancing space-related missions.

The program has bestowed its prime sustainment recognition upon Boeing due to its work in supporting the ISS, a project consisting of multiple nations to advance studies and perform scientific research in low Earth orbit.

Boeing has served as NASA’s prime contractor since 1993. In its over two decades of supporting the agency’s mission, the aerospace juggernaut has overseen ISS design, development, integration, testing and delivery operations. To this day, the company continues to sustain United States-built elements of the station.

Integration work conducted by Boeing has provided the ISS with greater flexibility with the addition of new modules, spacecraft and equipment. The defense giant’s work also contributes to the future of in-space manufacturing as well as space tourism.

Launched in 1998, the ISS is currently in its third decade of operations. In an effort to sustain program efficiency, Boeing has provided the ISS with new lithium-ion batteries and advanced solar arrays.

Workers at Huntsville’s Boeing locations coordinate with NASA and Marshall Space Flight Center personnel in performing innovative work relating to space advancement. This includes sustaining engineering and advanced studies, paving the way for technology advancements, as well as providing support for engineering and manufacturing for the orbiting laboratory.

Presently, Boeing employs more than 3,000 people at the company’s two main facilities in Huntsville.

In addition to contracting with NASA, the company boasts a portfolio performing work for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), among other vital U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) programs.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

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