Three Generations, One Mission 

By Lauren Sarmir

At Northrop Grumman's manufacturing floor in Commerce, California, it's common to hear things like, “Oh, that one's bound for Jupiter," or “That one is headed to Neptune." For the employees, it might be routine — but every step through these halls is also a walk through the history of American space exploration.

Originally founded in 1963 as Pressure Systems Incorporated (PSI), the Commerce site in Southern California has since gone through several acquisitions, and in 2018 became a part of Northrop Grumman. Over six decades, its teams have produced more than 7,000 propulsion tanks that have visited every planet in the solar system — and even the sun. A spacecraft's propulsion tank is a specially designed container to store fuels and oxidizers, propellants and provides the necessary force for in-space adjustments.

Among those who've helped make these missions possible: three generations of the Debreceni family, who have contributed a combined 98 years of service to the company.  

Even now, Mike — who has been at Northrop Grumman for 32 years — often hears stories about his father from longtime colleagues. Those memories, combined with his daily work alongside his son, keep three generations connected through a shared legacy.

“It's incredible that I get the chance to preserve his memory in a unique way, and to be part of carrying that forward with my son," said Mike.

The mission of Northrop Grumman continues to keep the Debrecenis connected, both to each other and a greater goal of pushing the boundaries of possible.