SpaceX has secured the first spot on a potential $7B NASA contracting vehicle to deliver supplies, cargo and scientific experiments to a lunar gateway being developed to host astronauts on moon exploration missions.
NASA said Saturday the company will aim to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo as well as materials for sample collection through the Gateway Logistics Services indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a performance period of 15 years.
The agency intends to guarantee two cargo delivery missions for each commercial GLS provider.
As part of the IDIQ, providers will conduct multiple cargo delivery missions through spacecraft designed to stay at the lunar-orbit station for up to 12 months.
Jim Bridenstine, administrator of NASA and former Wash100 Award recipient, said the multiple-award contract serves as a cornerstone for architecture that would support future long-term Artemis missions as well as deep-space commercial cargo delivery efforts.
“Through our partnership with NASA, SpaceX has been delivering scientific research and critical supplies to the International Space Station since 2012, and we are honored to continue the work beyond Earth’s orbit and carry Artemis cargo to Gateway,” noted Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX and three-time Wash100 awardee.
NASA sought proposals for the program in August 2019.
