NASA's Lunar Robotic Program Spends $92.7M to Prepare for Human Missions, Facing Long-Term Execution
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $92,762,996 ($92.8M)
Contractor: Arizona State University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-12-15
End Date: 2026-01-31
Contract Duration: 6,987 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 24
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATIONLUNAR PRECURSOR ROBOTIC PROGRAM (RLEPLPRP) CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATION MISSIONS TO PREPARE FOR AND TO SUPPORT FUTURE HUMAN EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROBOTIC PREPARATION IS TO REDUCE RISK, ENHANCE MISSION SUCCESS, AND REDUCE THE COST OF FUTURE HUMAN MISSIONS. THE LRO PAYLOAD USED TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION OBJECTIVES CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING SIX INSTRUMENTS: 1. LUNAR ORBITER LASER ALTIMETER (LOLA) MEASUREMENT INVESTIGATION SHALL DETERMINE THE GLOBAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE LUNAR SURFACE AT HIGH RESOLUTION, MEASURE LANDING SITE SLOPES AND SEARCH FOR POLAR ICES IN SHADOWED REGIONS; 2. LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER CAMERA (LROC) SHALL ACQUIRE TARGETED IMAGES OF THE LUNAR SURFACE CAPABLE OF RESOLVING SMALL-SCALE FEATURES THAT COULD BE LANDING SITE HAZARDS, AS WELL AS WIDE-ANGLE IMAGES AT MULTIPLE WAVELENGTHS OF THE LUNAR POLES TO DOCUMENT CHANGING ILLUMINATION CONDITIONS AND POTENTIAL RESOURCES; 3. LUNAR EXPLORATION NEUTRON DETECTOR (LEND) SHALL MAP THE FLUX OF NEUTRONS FROM THE LUNAR SURFACE TO SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF WATER ICE AND PROVIDE MEASUREMENTS OF THE SPACE RADIATION ENVIRONMENT WHICH CAN BE USEFUL FOR FUTURE HUMAN EXPLORATION; 4. DIVINER LUNAR RADIOMETER EXPERIMENT (DLRE) SHALL MAP THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENTIRE LUNAR SURFACE AT 300 METER HORIZONTAL SCALES TO IDENTIFY COLD-TRAPS AND POTENTIAL ICE DEPOSITS; 5. LYMAN-ALPHA MAPPING PROJECT (LAMP) SHALL OBSERVE THE ENTIRE LUNAR SURFACE IN THE FAR ULTRAVIOLET TO SEARCH FOR SURFACE ICES AND FROSTS IN THE POLAR REGIONS AND TO PROVIDE IMAGES OF PERMANENTLY SHADOWED REGIONS ILLUMINATED ONLY BY STARLIGHT; 6. COSMIC RAY TELESCOPE FOR THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION (CRATER) SHALL INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF GALACTIC COSMIC RAYS ON TISSUE-EQUIVALENT PLASTICS AS A CONSTRAINT ON MODELS OF BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO BACKGROUND SPACE RADIATION. EACH INSTRUMENT WILL BE MANAGED BY A PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI), WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE FLIGHT INSTRUMENT TO THE LRO PROJECT, AS WELL AS PRODUCING THE INSTRUMENT'S DATA PRODUCTS AND DELIVERING THEM TO THE PLANETARY DATA SYSTEM (PDS) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DATA PRODUCT SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85287
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $92.8 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: THE ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATIONLUNAR PRECURSOR ROBOTIC PROGRAM (RLEPLPRP) CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATION MISSIONS TO PREPARE FOR AND TO SUPPORT FUTURE HUMAN EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROBOTIC PREPARATION IS TO REDUCE RISK, ENHANCE MISSION… Key points: 1. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) is a key payload for mapping the lunar surface, supporting future human exploration. 2. The program aims to reduce risk and enhance mission success for future human lunar activities. 3. While the contract is long-term (ending 2026), the current spending is $92.7M, indicating significant investment. 4. The sector is dominated by large government contracts, with limited direct competition for such specialized lunar exploration technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $92.7M over its duration appears reasonable for a complex, multi-instrument lunar orbiter mission. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of space exploration hardware.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specialized nature of space technology may limit the number of capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in long-term scientific and exploratory goals that could pave the way for future cost savings in human missions.
Public Impact
Enables detailed mapping of the lunar surface, crucial for selecting safe landing sites for future astronauts. Provides data to identify potential resources, such as water ice, which could support human habitats. Reduces the inherent risks associated with human spaceflight by gathering critical environmental and topographical information beforehand. Contributes to scientific understanding of the Moon's geology and history.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (ending 2026) with significant funds allocated.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges in deep space missions.
- Reliance on a single entity (Arizona State University) for payload development and operation.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective to reduce risk and cost for future human exploration.
- Utilizes advanced instrumentation for high-resolution lunar mapping.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on space exploration technology. Spending benchmarks for lunar robotic missions are highly variable, but this represents a substantial investment in preparatory activities.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses are directly involved as prime contractors in this specific award. The nature of the work likely requires specialized expertise typically found in larger research institutions or aerospace companies.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight is critical for managing such a long-term, complex mission. Regular reviews and milestone tracking are essential to ensure progress and accountability for taxpayer funds.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration.
- High cost associated with space exploration technology.
- Potential for technical challenges in a harsh lunar environment.
- Limited direct competition for highly specialized space missions.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $92.8 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. THE ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATIONLUNAR PRECURSOR ROBOTIC PROGRAM (RLEPLPRP) CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF ROBOTIC LUNAR EXPLORATION MISSIONS TO PREPARE FOR AND TO SUPPORT FUTURE HUMAN EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROBOTIC PREPARATION IS TO REDUCE RISK, ENHANCE MISSION SUCCESS, AND REDUCE THE COST OF FUTURE HUMAN MISSIONS. THE LRO PAYLOAD USED TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION OBJECTIVES CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING SIX INSTRUMENTS: 1. LUNAR ORBITER LASER ALTIMETER (LOLA) MEASUREMENT INVESTIGA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY.
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 $92.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-12-15. End: 2026-01-31.
What is the projected return on investment for the Robotic Lunar Exploration Program in terms of cost savings for future human missions?
The primary goal is to reduce risk and cost for future human missions. While a precise ROI is difficult to quantify, the data gathered on topography, potential resources, and environmental hazards is expected to prevent costly mission failures and optimize resource utilization, thereby yielding significant long-term savings.
What are the key risks associated with the long-term execution of this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technological obsolescence, unforeseen environmental challenges on the Moon, and potential budget fluctuations. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust system design, contingency planning for lunar conditions, and continuous monitoring by NASA to adapt to evolving requirements and funding landscapes.
How effectively is the LRO payload contributing to the stated objectives of preparing for human exploration?
The LRO payload, with instruments like LOLA and LROC, is designed to directly address the program's objectives by providing high-resolution topographical data and imagery. This information is crucial for identifying safe landing zones and potential resource locations, directly contributing to the risk reduction and mission success enhancement for future human endeavors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 24
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1711 S RURAL RD ADM B 160, TEMPE, AZ, 85287
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $92,762,996
Exercised Options: $92,762,996
Current Obligation: $92,762,996
Actual Outlays: $29,647,458
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-12-15
Current End Date: 2026-01-31
Potential End Date: 2026-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-11
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