About ion

At ION Corporation, innovation is in our DNA. We are driven by a team of visionaries who are the architects of our pioneering spirit. Behind every remarkable journey, our accomplished leadership team charts a course toward new horizons.

Our team members bring with them a culture of inclusivity that's more than just a buzzword – it's our heritage. Our success revolves around embracing diversity in all its forms, celebrating differences, and creating a culture of collaboration, creativity, and progress. We firmly believe that true innovation thrives in an inclusive environment, where every idea, background, and perspective contributes to redefining what's possible in the aerospace industry

Ion Corporation History

In 1984, Wendell Maddox founded ION Corporation as a distinguished Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSDB), shaping the inception of our compelling story. Dedicated to delivering scientific, engineering, and custom manufacturing services, our trajectory has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence in the public and private sectors. Through industry expertise and relentless professionalism, ION Corporation consistently delivers high-quality products and services, emphasizing timeliness and cost-effectiveness.

Our story is one of continuous innovation, where challenges are opportunities and boundaries are meant to be pushed. We ensure specialized production and testing of cutting-edge electronic flight and ground support equipment for government agencies, positioning us as a prime contractor and subcontractor.

Leadership team

Wendell Maddox
President & CEO

In 1985, armed with nothing but a dream, Wendell transformed ION Corporation into a thriving engineering company within three short years, achieving annual revenues of $13 million. Under his visionary leadership, ION Corporation has ascended to the forefront of the US spaceflight and aerospace hardware fabrication industry. Our evolution from manufacturing to comprehensive design, engineering, and systems integration reflects his unwavering commitment to innovation. In 2005, ION Corporation proudly received NASA's Special Recognition Award in acknowledgment of our outstanding performance on the NASA Deep Space Network Advanced Systems Program, a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence.

Space Programs

Since its inception, ION Corporation has been a key player in NASA programs, and our impact is undeniable. Our engineering expertise is showcased as we seamlessly integrate, maintain, and enhance environmental control and life support subsystems for the NASA/MSFC International Space Station. Our work has been pivotal in communicating with the Mars Rover and beyond.

We have crafted devices for:

  • Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites

  • (AQUA and AURA) satellites

  • Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)

  • Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS)

  • Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF)

  • Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS)

  • Deep Space Program

Government Agency Support

Our portfolio includes the design, manufacturing, qualification, and testing of thousands of electronic systems and subsystems. From ruggedized test systems to flight control systems, interface adapters, electronic circuit boards, and bespoke mechanical fixtures, our expertise extends across military branches – Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines – as well as industry giants like The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other esteemed commercial customers.