NASA Systems is the customer facing business unit working closely with NASA to develop the nation’s civil space programs. Boeing’s legacy and involvement is synonymous with the Space Age. From the X-15 to Mercury, Gemini and Apollo to the space shuttle, Boeing has been a leader in human spaceflight.

Boeing was also the manufacturer and developer of the space shuttle fleet, the world’s only reusable and human-rated spacecraft.

Boeing is a major subcontractor to United Space Alliance for space shuttle operations and support. Additionally, the company is the prime contractor to NASA for the International Space Station (ISS) to include design, development, integration and assisting the space agency in operating the orbital outpost.

NASA Systems also supports the development of upgrades to the shuttle fleet to ensure America a continuation of safe, reliable and affordable human-rated space access through 2020 and beyond.

“America’s space program does great things,”said Mike Mott, vice president and general manager NASA Systems.“It breaks the bonds of the known and travels into the unknown. It captures the world’s imagination, and opens a window to the universe. It offers the next generation hope, inspiration and opportunity.”

Boeing employees have processed every space shuttle payload – more than 100 flights – since space shuttle Columbia’s inaugural flight in 1981. In addition, Boeing processes NASA expendable launch vehicle payloads such as the scientific probes Mars Odyssey and Aqua. Boeing also processes all of the ISS components.

Boeing Rocketdyne is also the manufacturer of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Each orbiter carries three engines and the SSME has racked up an enviable 100 percent flight success and a demonstrated reliability of 99.9 percent. Additionally, SSMEs are the only reusable engine rated for human spaceflight.

Boeing engineers and scientists are looking to the future with development of the Orbital Space Plane, in addition to developing ways to further explore Mars and the solar system.

Houston is headquarters for the NASA Systems division. The division also operates in the following locations: Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Huntsville, Ala., Huntington Beach, Calif., and Palmdale, Calif.