In March 2004, it was announced that General Dynamics had acquired Spectrum Astro. Spectrum will be folded in to General Dynamics C4 Systems division. That arm specializes in information technology and is based in south Scottsdale. Spectrum Astro provides a variety of space-technology products and services ranging from space electronics manufacturing to the leadership of best-in-class, multi-company teams in the design, integration, test, and on-orbit support of large, complex space systems.The focus is to providing high level performance at affordable costs. The firm's new Tucson office, in cooperation with the University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center, provides expertise in complex electro-optical space-based intercept vehicles, payloads and associated technologies. Spectrum Astro is a fast-growing company in sales, technology, and resources. The average employee has 16.3 years of career experience. Two-thirds of employees hold a bachelors degree or higher while one-third hold a masters degree or higher. Spectrum Astro currently occupies 141,596 square feet of a 350,000 square foot industrial complex located in Gilbert, Arizona (Phoenix area) while also maintaining additional offices in Los Angeles; Pasadena; Washington D.C.; Herndon, VA; Colorado Springs; and Tucson. A new, ultra-modern facility is being constructed on an 80-acre parcel just 2.5 miles from current Gilbert location. The new facility is designed to facilitate expansion in support of projected growth for at least the next 20 years. The new manufacturing building will accommodate up to 27 medium-sized satellites simultaneously in various stages of manufacture, test and integration. The 62-foot high-bay will support final integration and test of a large satellite of up to 5000 kg or more (Space-Shuttle class). Spectrum Astro has remained a private corporation with 100% employee stock ownership since its founding.
