Lockheed Martin Sunnyvale, California

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Systems in Sunnyvale, adjacent to Moffett Field, is one of the most important satellite development and manufacturing plants in the United States, covering 412 acres. Over 850 orbited satellites have been built here, including civilian imaging satellites such as Landsat 7, and many communication and broadcast satellites. Lockheed is the nation's largest defense contractor, and many of the satellites created here are projects for the defense community, such as Milstar, MUOS (Mobile User Objective System), and classified surveillance platforms. Missile systems developed here include the latest generation of submarine launched Trident nuclear missiles, as well as silo-based ICBMs. Large shed structures and high bay engineering buildings dominate the landscape at the bay side plant. Lockheed Martin often partners with its rivals in the satellite industry, primarily Boeing, which has plants in Southern California. Lockheed also operates STAR labs (formerly the Advanced Technology Center) in Palo Alto, the principal R&D organization for the company.