High-tech deal promises 500 jobs

Max Jarman and Casey Newton
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 12, 2007 12:00 AM

The navigation system and mission computer on one of the newest space vehicles will be built in metro Phoenix, which will create more than 500 high-paying engineering jobs.

The Orion crew exploration vehicle is proposed to carry U.S. astronauts back to the moon in 2020.

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace is creating the displays and flight controls, and it could handle more than $700 million worth of work on the project.

The ripple effects of new jobs are expected to boost the local high-tech economy.

Company representatives joined representatives from NASA and lead Orion contractor Lockheed Martin to brief Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and other city officials Wednesday.