Maxar Technologies (NYSE: MAXR) has received a potential $375M contract to build and demonstrate a power and propulsion component for NASA’s proposed lunar space station intended to support the agency™s planned 2024 moon landing.
Maxar said Thursday it will lead a team that includes Draper and Blue Origin to develop and operate the solar electric propulsion-based spacecraft, which will serve as the first element of the lunar Gateway to undergo a spaceflight demonstration.
Maxar CEO Dan Jablonsky said the partnership will help the agency accelerate lunar exploration while œproviding significant benefits to American industry.
As part of the firm-fixed-price contract, the team will conduct a one-year demonstration of the power and propulsion spacecraft. The element will have the Roll Out Solar Array system and support initial docking operations, provide communication capabilities and maneuver the Gateway across lunar orbits to expand NASA’s space exploration activities.
Maxar plans to launch the power and propulsion element aboard a commercial rocket by late 2022.
