Udall Congratulates Louisville Aerospace Firm on Receiving $10 Million NASA Contract
The Company's Work Will Help Agency, Private Sector Launch Astronauts to International Space Station
Mark Udall congratulated Louisville-based Sierra Nevada Space Systems on its receipt today of a $10 million NASA contract to develop processes that will meet agency safety standards and allow the United States to once again launch American astronauts to the International Space Station.
"Colorado companies continue to lead the way, creating jobs and driving innovation, as they develop new and exciting ways to connect us with outer space," Udall said. "Right now, we are completely reliant on the Russian space program to send astronauts to the International Space Station. Thanks to businesses like Sierra Nevada and Lockheed Martin — both Colorado companies — we are becoming self-reliant. This contract underlines that Colorado is on the forefront of getting us back in space."
Under the contract, Sierra Nevada Space Systems and two other companies will, between Jan. 22, 2013, and May 30, 2014, work with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to discuss and develop products to implement the agency's flight safety and performance requirements. This includes implementation across all aspects of the space system, including the spacecraft, launch vehicle, and ground and mission operations.
Sierra Nevada Space System's work will help develop a certification plan to achieve safe, crewed missions to the International Space Station.
Udall has been a vocal advocate for Colorado’s role in space exploration, including lauding Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. of Boulder's work with NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems' recent receipt of $212.5 million in competitive grant funds from NASA. Udall also recently lauded the roles Colorado companies have played in the launch and mission of the Mars Curiosity Rover.