Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has named Lon L. Rains director of communications for the company’s Space Technology sector, where he will guide efforts to increase the visibility of the company’s capabilities in civil and military space, missile defense and high-energy lasers.
Rains is a veteran journalist with broad and deep knowledge of the aerospace industry. He will report directly to Alexis Livanos, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Space Technology. His appointment is effective Nov. 17.
“Lon’s knowledge of the space industry and the media will contribute significantly to Space Technology’s success,” Livanos said. “He is up-to-date with the latest trends, issues and people affecting our industry and our government customers, and he will take the lead in communicating innovations and developments at Space Technology.”
Most recently, Rains served as vice president of Imaginova Trade Publishing (Editorial) and editor of Space News. Imaginova Corporation is a privately owned company that owns Space News. Over the years, Space News has expanded its editorial product lines to include show dailies, newsletters, e-mail products and an active daily news web site and has been a major sponsor at the industry’s top trade shows. He was a member of the original staff when the paper debuted 19 years ago and has been editor for the last 15 years. Rains is also active on various industry association boards and he has received a number of journalistic awards.
Prior to joining Space News, Rains was a reporter with the Prince George’s Journal and a freelance writer working primarily for The Washington Post and the Baltimore Evening Sun. He also served in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer. He received his bachelor of arts degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.