What's Happening?
NASA has awarded a $1.8 billion contract to ASCEND Aerospace & Technology of Cape Canaveral for the Contract for Organizing Spaceflight Mission Operations and Systems (COSMOS). The contract, which begins in December, includes services for NASA's Flight Operations Directorate, supporting programs such as the Orion and Space Launch System, the International Space Station, and the Artemis campaign. The contract is set for a five-year base period with options to extend until 2034.
Why It's Important?
This contract is a significant investment in NASA's ongoing and future space exploration missions. By securing services for mission operations and training, NASA ensures the continued success and safety of its programs, including the Artemis campaign, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The partnership with ASCEND Aerospace & Technology also highlights the role of private companies in supporting NASA's objectives, fostering innovation and collaboration in the aerospace industry.