TAKING OFF: The end of the Cold...

TAKING OFF: The end of the Cold War has been a mixed blessing in Ventura County, considering the hundreds of layoffs at Northrop and Abex Aerospace. Now a Ventura firm, American Rocket Co., has received part of a $10.4-million contract to equip a new experimental space vehicle (Valley Business, Page 13). . . . The deal is part of the Administration’s effort to convert defense technology to commercial products. . . . Launch year: 1996.