Andrews Space, Inc.
announced today that it has been awarded a $6 million contract
from NASA to develop preliminary concepts for NASA's Crew
Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and to define a vision and architecture
for human missions to the Moon and exploration of Mars.The NASA Concept Exploration and Refinement (CE&R) award
builds on Andrews' track record of working with NASA to
define and develop new and revolutionary space transportation
concepts and capabilities. The six-month base period is
valued at approximately $3 million with a six-month option
for an additional $3 million.
NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Associate
Administrator, retired Navy Rear Adm. Craig E. Steidle,
said, ``These study contracts reflect NASA's new commitment
to find the best outside expertise that will work in partnerships
to benefit the nation's goals for space exploration. We
are developing a sustained and affordable human and robotic
program that will explore the solar system and beyond. We
will accomplish this using the same ingenuity, commitment
and unwavering determination that forged the success of
the Apollo program.''
The first element of Andrews' (CE&R) contract is to define
objectives and requirements for human and robotic missions
to the Moon and Mars. To support this, Andrews will define
a ``system of systems'' exploration architecture that places
strong emphasis on sustainability and affordability.
The second element of the contract is to develop design
concepts and operating scenarios for the CEV, which (as
envisioned by NASA) will be capable of transporting humans
to low Earth orbit by 2014 and to the lunar surface by 2020.
NASA anticipates releasing a request for proposal early
next year to design and develop the CEV.
Jason Andrews, President of Andrews Space, said, ``We are
thrilled to be involved in NASA's Project Constellation.
This is the most important national space endeavor since
the Apollo Program.
``It is extremely impressive to see Admiral Steidle's team
select and engage small businesses and large corporations
throughout the industry and academia, to bring together
the best minds and innovative approaches to develop a 'System
of Systems' concept.
``This is a new and exciting way of doing business with NASA,
that I believe will result in the best overall technical
and cost solution for NASA and the country.
``NASA's goal of an affordable and sustainable exploration
program is well aligned with our company's mission. We are
well positioned for future phases, have a world class team
and will leverage work from previous NASA efforts such as
the Alternate Access to Space Station and Next Generation
Launch Technology programs.''
For more information about NASA's Office of Exploration
Systems, visit: http://exploration.nasa.gov/
About the Company
Andrews Space, Inc. is a privately held company developing
new and innovative space transportation solutions for government
and commercial markets. Headquartered in Seattle, WA with
offices in Los Angeles, CA and Colorado Springs, CO, Andrews'
core technical competencies include product / system development,
space systems design, systems engineering, propulsion system
design, and mission operations analysis. To learn more,
please visit: http://www.andrews-space.com.
Mission: Andrews Space will be a catalyst in the development,
exploration, and commercialization of emerging space markets
by providing innovative, entrepreneurial aerospace solutions
to our commercial, civil, and military customers.
Contact:
Andrews Space, Inc.
John Bernie
+1 (206) 342-9934
jbernie@andrews-space.com
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