SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- 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: 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.