NASA has awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a potential cumulative value of $4.82 billion to four companies to provide support services for the Near Space Network.
The agency said Friday the contractors will aid in the expansion of the Near Space Network’s commercial direct-to-Earth capabilities, which enable spacecraft to directly send data to ground stations on Earth.
NASA Near Space Network Services Contracts
Under the firm-fixed-price contract, the four companies will book task orders pertaining to the subcategories specified in each contract.
Intuitive Machines will secure two task order awards for Subcategory 1.2 GEO to Cislunar Direct to Earth Services and Subcategory 1.3 xCislunar DTE Services. The awards will provide additional capacity to reduce the demand on the Deep Space Network in support of the Lunar Exploration Ground Segment. Kongsberg Satellite Services will be awarded two task orders for Subcategory 1.1 Earth Proximity DTE and Subcategory 1.2 to support science missions in low Earth orbit, or LEO, and provide more capacity for the Deep Space Network.
SSC Space U.S. will also receive two task orders for Subcategories 1.1 and 1.3 to support LEO science missions and meet the requirements for highly elliptical orbits. Viasat will secure a task order for Subcategory 1.1 and will also support science missions in LEO.
The chosen companies will work on their projects from February 2025 to September 2029. The contracts come with an additional five-year option, which, if exercised, will extend the completion date to Sept. 30, 2034.
NASA intends to enhance communication and navigation capabilities and provide users with secure and reliable services that meet their requirements for the success of their missions. The agency also aims to strengthen its relationship with the commercial space sector.
