Martin Marietta
Martin Marietta Corporation was an American aerospace and defense contractor that operated from 1961 to 1995, formed by the merger of the Glenn L. Martin Company—an early aviation pioneer established in 1912—and the American Marietta Corporation, a building materials firm based in Chicago.[1][2] The company focused on developing advanced aircraft, missiles, and space systems, leveraging the Martin lineage's expertise in aeronautics with diversified operations in chemicals and electronics.[3] Key achievements included the production of the B-57 Canberra bomber, which conducted its first test flight in 1953 and served in reconnaissance roles, and the Titan family of rockets, which powered critical NASA missions such as Project Gemini, the Viking Mars landers, and Voyager probes.[3] Martin Marietta also delivered over 100 commercial geostationary satellites, advancing global communications and space infrastructure.[3] These contributions solidified its role in U.S. national security and space exploration, with facilities supporting intercontinental ballistic missiles and large transport aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy.[3] In 1995, Martin Marietta merged with Lockheed Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $10 billion, creating Lockheed Martin Corporation, which combined complementary strengths in fighter jets, missiles, and space systems to form one of the world's largest defense contractors.[4] Prior to the merger, the company navigated intense business rivalries, including a high-profile 1980s takeover battle with Bendix Corporation that preserved its independence but highlighted competitive pressures in the industry.[5] The merger enabled synergies in research and production, though it involved workforce adjustments amid post-Cold War defense consolidations.[6]