Huntsville-based aerospace contractor Dynetics inked a deal this morning to buy Orion Propulsion for an undisclosed sum.

Orion was founded by rocket propulsion engineer Tim Pickens, who worked on the first private spacecraft SpaceShip One. The purchase is aimed to expand Dynetics ability to develop aerospace work like NASA research, small spacecraft and propulsion, said Steve Cook, Dynetics director space technology development.

"We really look to this as a way to expand our space business. We have been primarily military and commercial until now. This is not going to be a subsidiary purchase," Cook said. "We plan to fully integrate Tim and his team into the Dynetics family to really compliment our capabilities."

Pickens is well known throughout Huntsville's aerospace community for developing innovative rocket and propulsion designs. He will serve as Dynetics' chief propulsion engineer.

"This is really a good move for us," Pickens told The Times. "I want to concentrate on designs and looking over the horizon to the next thing in propulsion development. This will allow me to do this."