Adds Boeing To Lockheed Martin/ATK Team
PlanetSpace announced this week it
has added Boeing's Space Exploration division to its existing
teammates, Alliant Techsystems and Lockheed Martin, on the proposed
solution to NASA for the Commercial Resupply Services to the
International Space Station.
PlanetSpace is the overall prime contractor for the ISS
Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) bid, and manages the CRS
contract. ATK provides the Athena III launch vehicle and ground
processing. Lockheed Martin and Boeing will develop, produce and
operate modular Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTV) that serve as the
cargo carriers to the International Space Station.
"We are thrilled to add Boeing to round out our extraordinary
team," said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, chairman of PlanetSpace. "This
team brings together technical innovations leveraging more than 50
years of relevant experience using flight-qualified US-built Space
Shuttle Solid Rocket Motors, Athena launch vehicles, proven space
vehicle technology and on-orbit operations."
Boeing's role on the team includes providing cargo carrier
development, cargo integration services, and ISS integration and
operations support.
"This CRS contract is an important part of ensuring the
long-term viability and value of the ISS. Boeing is pleased to be a
part of the PlanetSpace CRS team," said Brewster Shaw, vice
president and general manager of Boeing's Space Exploration
division. "The Boeing Company, as a partner in the design,
development and integration of the ISS shares NASA's interest in
ensuring this national resource and world-class laboratory is used
to its full capability and potential."
ATK provides its Athena III launch vehicle for the PlanetSpace
team. The first stage is a 2.5 segment derivative of the Space
Shuttle's four-segment Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The second stage
is the ATK CASTOR 120, utilized on the Athena I, Athena II and
Taurus I launch vehicles. That foundation is topped by an ATK
CASTOR 30 third stage and an Orbit Adjust Module.
"By using existing hardware that is US-built and has
demonstrated performance, we shorten the development timeline,"
said Kent Rominger, vice president of Advanced Programs, for ATK's
Launch Systems Division. "The Athena III provides a cost-effective
solution to meet NASA's cargo requirements."
Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Company, using its vast interplanetary, autonomous spacecraft
design, manufacturing, system integration, and mission operations
experience is developing the Orbital Transfer Vehicles for
PlanetSpace.
"We are very pleased to be on the PlanetSpace team and to bring
our full range of expertise to assure reliable Space Station
resupply services," said John Karas, vice president and general
manager of Human Space Flight for Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Company. "The PlanetSpace team leverages the combined spacecraft,
launch vehicle and human space flight systems that are the core
competencies of our companies. We bring significant expertise in
program management, autonomous spacecraft design, manufacturing,
systems integration and mission operations for this vital mission
to maximize the role of the space station.
The PlanetSpace consortium continues discussions with Space
Florida on a nonexclusive basis for Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape
Canaveral. Florida is a desired location as long as satisfactory
financial incentives are agreed to. Space Florida drives aerospace
economic development in the state and serves as a catalyst for
space-related business development, education, spaceport
operations, research and development, workforce development and
financing.
"Space Florida has worked with PlanetSpace to facilitate their
needs during the RFP proposal phase," stated Steve Kohler,
President, Space Florida. "Through the Teaming Agreement we have
established the parameters of support and development we can assist
with for a planned future commercial launch site near Kennedy Space
Center, if they win the bid."