Because satellites and missiles are 70% esoteric electronic devices, firms based solidly in electrical equipment, appliances and electronic know-how were quick to get in.
General Electric Co. (22% of sales in aerospace) got in early with a Government contract to assemble and fire captured German V-25, now has an arm-long list of assignments ranging from Atlas guidance systems to studies of how to live on the moon.
Westinghouse Electric Corp., whose defense projects account for 20% of its sales, brings its nuclear reactor prowess (Nautilus, Seawolf) to use on Nerva, the first atomic rocket,...