Mon, Mar 20, 2017
Universities Space Research Association Of Columbia, MD Will Provide Science Missions And Support
NASA has selected Universities Space Research Association of Columbia, Maryland, to provide the agency with science and mission operations support for its Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program.
The hybrid contract consists of a cost-plus-award-fee core requirement, cost no fee for the core grants activity, and separate indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity elements for the cost-plus-award-fee core and cost-plus-fixed-fee orders. The maximum total value is approximately $514 million. The period of performance begins May 1 and includes a 60-day phase-in and five-year base period, followed by six two-year options and a one-year shutdown/close-out option. The exercise of options is subject to review and approval of continued performance of the SOFIA mission.
SOFIA is an airborne astronomical observatory consisting of a 2.5-meter aperture telescope permanently installed in a specially modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. The observatory, with an open port telescope, provides routine access to nearly all of the infrared, far infrared, and sub-millimeter parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. SOFIA's primary mission is to conduct high-quality, high-impact, cutting-edge research in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary astronomy.
The SOFIA Program is executed jointly at two NASA centers. Flight operations and maintenance of the SOFIA aircraft are managed at the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. Program and science operations are managed at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.
(Source: NASA news release. Image from file)
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]