Company Becomes Key Player in New Vision for Space Exploration

SPACEHAB says it's been awarded a six-month NASA study contract valued at approximately $1 million to support the agency's new exploration initiatives.

"We are excited to be one of the companies selected to define concepts for accomplishing human lunar exploration," said Michael E. Kearney, SPACEHAB President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our innovative solutions and commercial approach will prove valuable to our Nation's Vision for Space Exploration."

In June 2004, NASA issued a Broad Agency Announcement soliciting proposals that meet the agency's objectives for lunar exploration. With a multitude of proposals submitted, SPACEHAB's response for the Concept Exploration and Refinement solicitation was one of a just a handful selected. In addition to this six-month contract effort, the Company may be awarded a contract option that includes an additional six-month effort also valued at nearly $1.0 million.

Per NASA's specifications, bidders were asked to identify systems that are common or extensible to Mars missions and other destinations. SPACEHAB's proposal documented the Company's approach for designing an architecture that took full advantage of commercial efficiencies; specifically, how private industry can contribute to the investment in getting people to the moon and elsewhere. The result would be low program costs, a stimulated economy, and the benefit of applying existing capabilities and mature technology.

"This competitive award demonstrates our understanding of the complex challenges of space exploration, NASA's development philosophy, and the broad spectrum of potentially viable solutions to enable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond," stated Michael Bain, Vice President Space Commerce Development. "We are excited about this opportunity to make a valuable contribution to NASA's space exploration initiative." added Bain.

FMI: www.spacehab.com