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Posted on 10/02/2003 10:41:47 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Space Systems Co. will team with Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems Sector to compete for full-scale development of NASA's orbital space plane. The orbital space plane program is planned as a next-generation crew rescue and transport system for the international space station. The space plane, which may include multiple vehicles, will enable a larger permanent crew to occupy the orbiting research facility, increasing science and research capabilities in space.
Details of the agreement between Lockheed and Northrop, announced Monday, will be worked out in the next 90 days, Northrop Grumman spokesman Brooks McKinney said.
If any of the work resulting from this agreement will be performed at either of the defense companies' facilities in Palmdale is unknown.
"We haven't really gotten to that level of discussion yet," McKinney said.
At least at the beginning, Lockheed's efforts in design work are based in Denver and Huntsville, Ala.
"The bulk of the work is going on in Denver," said Julie Andrews , Lockheed Martin spokeswoman.
The team arrangement brings together two of the country's defense giants.
"They have some strengths and talents they bring to the team that will make it formidable," Andrews said. "It makes a very, very strong competitor."
For NASA, the team could broaden the agency's industrial base for space flight, she said.
"The diverse talents, technical resources and aerospace systems experience of our two companies will help NASA reduce the schedule and cost risks of the accelerated OSP program," Michael Coats, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Advanced Space Transportation, said in announcing the agreement. "Our collective expertise in large-scale systems integration, space systems engineering, launch vehicles, military aircraft and autonomous flight provide a critical foundation for NASA's efforts to restore vigor and confidence to the nation's human spaceflight program."
Northrop Grumman brings a history of large-scale integration of complex systems, such as the B-2 stealth bomber program, to Lockheed Martin's space system experience, McKinney said.
Northrop also has experience working with NASA on studies of integrated vehicle health management, which monitors electronic equipment of the spacecraft to catch problems early.
"By coming together with Lockheed at this time, we're really in a position to help NASA bring this on by 2008," McKinney said.
Lockheed Martin will lead the team as the prime contractor, while Northrop Grumman will serve as the principal teammate and subcontractor.
NASA expects to select a prime contractor team for the full-scale orbital space plane development by August.
NASA has specified that the orbital space plane must provide a crew rescue capability for the international space station by 2008, a two-year acceleration in the orbital space plane development schedule outlined in the spring. A two-way crew transfer plane is required by 2012. The plane will be launched on an Atlas 5 or Delta 4 rocket.
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