Sun, Aug 08, 2010
More Moon Bucks Possible Via NASA
In annnouncement that could conceivably double the value of
programs like the Google Lunar XPrize, NASA has issued a Broad
Agency Announcement (BAA) to purchase specific data resulting from
industry efforts to test and verify vehicle capabilities through
demonstrations of small robotic landers. The purpose is to inform
the development of future human and robotic lander vehicles.
The Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data (ILDD) BAA will result
in multiple small firm-fixed price
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a total
value up to $30.1 million through 2012. Multiple awards are
possible with a minimum government purchase of $10,000 for each
selected contractor. A minimum order will be funded using FY10
dollars. Orders above the minimum would be competed among the
successful offerors dependent on future budget availability. The
deadline for submitting proposals is Sept. 8.
The ILDD BAA challenges industry to demonstrate Earth-to-lunar
surface flight system capabilities and test technologies. Data
provided to NASA should include information related to landing
using a human mission profile; identification of hazards during
landing; precision landing; and imagery and long-duration surface
operations.
Through the BAA, NASA's Lander Project Office at the Johnson
Space Center in Houston will increase its knowledge and
understanding of design, testing and flight. The input could
expedite plans to build and test hardware for future human and
robotic landers.
The BAA asks for information about the design and demonstration
of an end-to-end lunar landing mission. This includes data
associated with hardware design, development and testing; ground
operations and integration; launch; trajectory correction
maneuvers; lunar braking, burn and landing; and enhanced
capabilities.
Awarded contracts will be managed by the Lunar Lander Project
Office.
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