NASA Awards $111.6M Contract to MudaWar Thermal Systems for Lunar/Martian Propellant Tech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,115,729 ($1.1M)
Contractor: Mudawar Thermal Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-11-28
End Date: 2027-04-14
Contract Duration: 1,598 days
Daily Burn Rate: $698/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED CONCEPTS FOR LUNAR AND MARTIAN PROPELLANT PRODUCTION, STORAGE, TRANSFER, AND USAGE
Place of Performance
Location: WEST LAFAYETTE, TIPPECANOE County, INDIANA, 47906
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.1 million to MUDAWAR THERMAL SYSTEMS INC for work described as: ADVANCED CONCEPTS FOR LUNAR AND MARTIAN PROPELLANT PRODUCTION, STORAGE, TRANSFER, AND USAGE Key points: 1. Focuses on critical space exploration infrastructure: propellant production and storage. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price discovery, though specific details are limited. 3. Risk lies in the early-stage R&D nature of advanced space technologies. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences for space applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $111.6M for a 4.5-year duration appears reasonable for advanced R&D in a specialized field. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique nature of lunar/martian propellant systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may impact the final price discovery compared to broader solicitations.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical, long-term space exploration research, potentially leading to future cost savings in space missions.
Public Impact
Advancing capabilities for sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars. Potential for technological breakthroughs in in-situ resource utilization for space missions. Supports the development of a future space economy and infrastructure. Invests in scientific and engineering expertise within the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technology readiness level (TRL) may be low for advanced concepts.
- Long development timeline increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a key bottleneck for deep space exploration.
- Potential for significant long-term cost savings through in-situ resource utilization.
- Fosters innovation in a high-priority national objective.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences for space applications. Spending in this niche area is driven by national space exploration goals and is highly specialized.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to a single firm, MudaWar Thermal Systems Inc. There is no explicit mention of small business participation or subcontracting goals within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms, including contract milestones and performance reviews, are crucial for managing this long-term R&D effort. Accountability will be tied to the successful development and demonstration of the specified propellant technologies.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) uncertainty.
- Long contract duration and R&D scope.
- Potential for sole-source reliance.
- Complexity of extraterrestrial operational environments.
- Dependency on future funding appropriations.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, in, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.1 million to MUDAWAR THERMAL SYSTEMS INC. ADVANCED CONCEPTS FOR LUNAR AND MARTIAN PROPELLANT PRODUCTION, STORAGE, TRANSFER, AND USAGE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MUDAWAR THERMAL SYSTEMS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-11-28. End: 2027-04-14.
What is the projected return on investment for this advanced propellant technology research?
The return on investment is primarily long-term and strategic, focusing on enabling future deep space missions and reducing reliance on Earth-based resupply. Quantifying ROI is challenging due to the R&D nature and the long-term benefits of establishing lunar and Martian infrastructure, which could include cost savings on future missions and the development of new commercial space capabilities.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing lunar and Martian propellant systems?
Key technical risks include extreme temperature variations, vacuum conditions, radiation exposure, and the need for highly reliable, autonomous systems. Challenges in material science, energy storage, and efficient production/transfer methods in low-gravity environments are also significant. Ensuring long-term storage stability and safety in extraterrestrial conditions presents substantial hurdles.
How will the success of this contract contribute to NASA's broader Artemis program goals?
This contract is vital for the Artemis program's long-term sustainability by addressing critical in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) needs. Developing reliable propellant production, storage, and transfer capabilities on the Moon and Mars is essential for reducing mission mass, enabling longer stays, and supporting eventual human exploration beyond lunar orbit, making sustained presence more feasible and cost-effective.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: T14.01-1272
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3495 KENT AVE STE F100, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, 47906
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,115,729
Exercised Options: $1,115,729
Current Obligation: $1,115,729
Actual Outlays: $749,334
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-11-28
Current End Date: 2027-04-14
Potential End Date: 2027-04-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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