Sat, Jan 01, 2011
Lockheed Martin Selected For $31.2 Million Project
NASA has awarded a sole source contract to Lockheed Martin
Space Systems Company (LMSSC) of Greenbelt, MD, for Systems
Engineering for In-Space Servicing (SEISS). This
cost-plus-fixed-fee, 18-month contract has a value of $31.2
million.
LMSSC will provide systems and discipline engineering support to
develop and execute two demonstrations to test and verify new
robotic servicing capabilities using the Dextre robot aboard the
International Space Station. The Canadian Space Agency's Special
Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre, is a two-armed robotic
system designed to perform intricate maintenance and servicing
tasks, which previously would have required spacewalks.
The first demonstration will use a customized payload task box,
Dextre and specialized tools to robotically demonstrate refueling
and repair tasks in orbit. Tasks will include locating, accessing
and uncapping valves and transferring simulated liquid fuel. During
the second demonstration, Dextre will test and evaluate a variety
of tools, sensors and instruments to support autonomous rendezvous
and capture capabilities for orbiting spacecraft systems.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is developing both
demonstration payloads. These demonstrations are intended to
increase NASA's technical capability to conduct robotic in-space
servicing. The contract encompasses requirements definition and
verification, hardware design, support of flight and ground
hardware/software development, and mission planning support.
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