OSIRIS-REX mission, a $39M R&D contract, aims to return asteroid samples for planetary origin research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,081,773 ($39.1M)
Contractor: University of Arizona
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-03-06
End Date: 2016-11-12
Contract Duration: 1,712 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) MISSION'S PRIMARY GOAL IS AN EARTH RETURN OF REGOLITH SAMPLE FROM A TYPE-B NEAR EARTH OBJECT (NEO) ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION WILL GATHER THIS SAMPLE THROUGH A SPACECRAFT CONSISTING OF A SCIENCE INSTRUMENT SUITE, A TOUCH-AND-GO SAMPLE ACQUISITION MECHANISM (TAGSAM) AND A SAMPLE RETURN CAPSULE (SRC). THE SPACECRAFT WILL RENDEZVOUS WITH THE NEO, OBSERVE, CHARACTERIZE AND MAP THE ASTEROID, AND FINALLY DESCEND, PERFORM A TOUCH-AND-GO MANEUVER, RETRIEVE A REGOLITH SAMPLE AND DEPART FROM THE ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX SPACECRAFT WILL THEN NAVIGATE BACK TOWARDS EARTH AND JETTISON THE SRC FOR A LANDING IN THE UTAH DESERT. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION ARE TO UNDERSTAND THE ORIGINS OF PLANETARY MATERIALS AND THE INITIAL STAGES OF PLANETARY FORMATION; IDENTIFY THE SOURCES OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AND OTHER PREBIOTIC CHEMICALS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE EMERGENCE OF LIFE ON EARTH; EXPLORE A NEO TO GAIN A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF POTENTIAL RESOURCES; AND ENABLE THE LONG TERM PREDICTION OF THE DYNAMICS OF NEOS THAT POSE AN IMPACT HAZARD TO EARTH. OCAMS IS A SUITE OF THREE IMAGERS WITH AN INTERFACE AND HOUSEKEEPING ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLY OPTIMIZED TO SUPPORT THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION. EACH IMAGER COVERS A SPECIFIC SET OF OPERATIONAL OR SCIENTIFIC REQUIREMENTS SPANNING THE PERIOD FROM ASTEROID INITIAL ACQUISITION DURING CRUISE TO THE DOCUMENTATION OF THE SAMPLING HEAD AFTER ACQUISITION. EACH IMAGER ALTHOUGH TARGETED FOR A SPECIFIC SET OF OBSERVATIONS DOES HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF BACKING UP THE KEY ASSIGNMENTS OF THE OTHER IMAGERS UNDER MODIFIED OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS IMPROVING THE ROBUSTNESS OF THE SYSTEM. OCAMS WILL BE DESIGNED, BUILT, AND TESTED TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPELLED OUT UNDER NASA NPR 8705.4 FOR A CLASS B MISSION AND PAYLOAD. ADDITIONALLY THE INSTRUMENT WILL ALSO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE GSFC GOLD RULES AS WELL AS THE AGREED TO GODDARD MISSION ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CORRESPONDING RISK CLASSIFICATION. THE SCOPE OF WORK SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED, TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. MANAGE THE OCAMS TEAM THROUGH PHASE B/C/D OF THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION. 2. DEFINE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR, DESIGN, DEVELOP, FABRICATE, INTEGRATE, TEST, AND DELIVER A FLIGHT QUALIFIED OSIRIS-REX CAMERA SYSTEM TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OCAMS CONSISTENT WITH LEVEL-1 REQUIREMENTS. 3. GENERATE THE DELIVERABLES AS DEFINED IN THE DELIVERABLE LIST. 4. VALIDATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INSTRUMENT IN AGREEMENT WITH LEVEL 1 AND MISSION REQUIREMENTS. 5. IMPLEMENT AN ORGANIZED SYSTEM SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS (MAR) AND GENERATE A MISSION ASSURANCE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (MAIP). 6. DEVELOP AND DELIVER THE CONTRACT DATA REQUIREMENTS AS DEFINED IN THE INSTRUMENT DELIVERABLE LIST (CDRL). 7. ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS (ITAR) AND EXPORT CONTROL DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY FOR WORKING WITH ANY INTERNATIONAL TEAM MEMBERS. 8. PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR ALL INTEGRATION, GROUND TESTING, AND END-TO-END SYSTEM TEST SUPPORT INVOLVING THE CAMERA. 9. SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OCAMS STANDARD DATA PROCESSING PIPELINE SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR THE SPOC. 10. PROVIDE FLIGHT SYSTEM OPERATOR AND ENGINEERING TRAINING FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS OF OCAMS. 11. PROVIDE FLIGHT OPERATIONS ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR THE SPOC AND FLIGHT SYSTEM FOR 30 DAYS AFTER LAUNCH. 12. PRESENT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION DESIGN REVIEW, THE MISSION LEVEL PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW, AND THE MISSION LEVEL CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW. 13. SUPPORT COMBINED SPACECRAFT AND GROUND SYSTEM TESTING, OSIRIS-REX END-TO-END TESTING AND INSTRUMENT OPERATIONS PLANNING BEFORE LAUNCH. 14. SUPPORT INSTRUMENT FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND PLANNING FOR THE FIRST 30 DAYS AFTER LAUNCH.
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85719
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $39.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA for work described as: THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) MISSION'S PRIMARY GOAL IS AN EARTH RETURN OF REGOLITH SAMPLE FROM A TYPE-B NEAR EARTH OBJECT (NEO) ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION WILL GATHER THIS SAMPLE THROUGH A SPACECRAFT CON… Key points: 1. Focuses on understanding the origins of planetary bodies through asteroid sample return. 2. Employs a sophisticated spacecraft with specialized instruments for sample acquisition and return. 3. The mission involves complex orbital mechanics and a precise sample collection maneuver. 4. Success hinges on the spacecraft's ability to navigate, collect, and safely return the sample. 5. The contract period spans from 2012 to 2016, indicating a multi-year research and development effort. 6. The primary contractor is the University of Arizona, a key player in space science research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $39,081,772.90 for the OSIRIS-REX mission appears reasonable given the complexity and scientific ambition of returning samples from a near-Earth object. This is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor in space exploration and scientific research. Benchmarking against similar deep-space sample return missions is challenging due to their rarity, but the allocated funds are consistent with the scale of such advanced scientific undertakings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is expected to drive innovation and ensure that the most capable and cost-effective solution was selected for this complex scientific mission. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for advanced space research and development services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars on a groundbreaking scientific mission.
Public Impact
Benefits the scientific community by providing invaluable data on the early solar system. Delivers a unique sample of asteroid regolith for detailed laboratory analysis on Earth. The geographic impact is primarily scientific, with potential for global scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. Implications for the aerospace and scientific research workforce, fostering expertise in planetary science and spacecraft engineering.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for mission delays or cost overruns inherent in complex space exploration projects.
- Technical challenges in sample acquisition and return could impact mission success.
- Reliance on a single primary contractor for a mission of this magnitude carries inherent risks.
Positive Signals
- Clear scientific objectives focused on fundamental questions about planetary origins.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- The University of Arizona has a strong track record in space science research.
- The mission is managed by NASA, an agency with extensive experience in complex space missions.
Sector Analysis
The OSIRIS-REX mission falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This contract represents a significant investment in fundamental scientific inquiry and advanced technological development within the aerospace industry. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale NASA science missions or international space exploration endeavors, which are characterized by high costs due to technological complexity and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. However, large-scale R&D contracts like this often involve subcontracting opportunities for specialized services or components, which could potentially benefit small businesses within the aerospace and technology supply chain. The primary focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities for a mission of this scientific and technical magnitude.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for the OSIRIS-REX mission is provided by NASA, which has established program management and review processes for its science missions. Accountability measures are built into the mission's phased approach, with regular reviews and milestones. Transparency is maintained through public releases of mission progress and scientific findings, though detailed contract-level financial oversight is typically internal to NASA's Inspector General.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- Planetary Science Division
- Asteroid Grand Challenge
- Space Technology Mission Directorate
- Mars Sample Return Program
Risk Flags
- High technical complexity
- Long mission duration
- Reliance on specific maneuver success
- Potential for budget fluctuations in long-term projects
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, university-of-arizona, space-exploration, asteroid-sample-return, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, cost-no-fee, arizona, science, planetary-science, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $39.1 million to UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA. THE ORIGINS SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION SECURITY-REGOLITH EXPLORER (OSIRIS-REX) MISSION'S PRIMARY GOAL IS AN EARTH RETURN OF REGOLITH SAMPLE FROM A TYPE-B NEAR EARTH OBJECT (NEO) ASTEROID. THE OSIRIS-REX MISSION WILL GATHER THIS SAMPLE THROUGH A SPACECRAFT CONSISTING OF A SCIENCE INSTRUMENT SUITE, A TOUCH-AND-GO SAMPLE ACQUISITION MECHANISM (TAGSAM) AND A SAMPLE RETURN CAPSULE (SRC). THE SPACECRAFT WILL RENDEZVOUS WITH THE NEO, OBSERVE, CHARACTERIZE AND MAP THE ASTEROID, AND
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA.
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 $39.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-03-06. End: 2016-11-12.
What is the track record of the University of Arizona in managing large-scale NASA space missions?
The University of Arizona has a distinguished track record in leading and participating in numerous NASA space missions, particularly in planetary science. They have been instrumental in missions such as the New Horizons probe to Pluto, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, among others. Their involvement in OSIRIS-REX builds upon this extensive experience, demonstrating their capability to manage complex scientific instruments, spacecraft operations, and data analysis for ambitious interplanetary endeavors. This history suggests a strong foundation for successfully executing the OSIRIS-REX mission's objectives.
How does the $39 million cost compare to similar asteroid sample return missions?
Direct cost comparisons for asteroid sample return missions are challenging due to the rarity and unique nature of each undertaking. However, the OSIRIS-REX mission's budget of approximately $39 million for its primary phase is considered within the expected range for such a complex endeavor. For context, NASA's Stardust mission, which returned cometary dust, had a total cost of around $290 million over its lifetime. The Japanese Hayabusa mission, which returned asteroid samples, also incurred significant costs. OSIRIS-REX's funding reflects the advanced technology, extensive research, and rigorous testing required for a successful sample return from a near-Earth asteroid.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the OSIRIS-REX mission?
The OSIRIS-REX mission faces several significant technical risks. A primary concern is the Touch-And-Go (TAG) sample acquisition maneuver, which requires precise navigation to make brief contact with the asteroid's surface and collect regolith. Any deviation in trajectory or unexpected surface conditions could jeopardize sample collection. Other risks include the reliable functioning of the sample return capsule during Earth re-entry, the long-term durability of spacecraft systems during the interplanetary journey, and the potential for unforeseen environmental factors on the asteroid itself. Mitigation strategies involve extensive simulations, redundant systems, and careful mission planning.
What is the expected scientific return from the OSIRIS-REX mission?
The scientific return from the OSIRIS-REX mission is expected to be substantial and far-reaching. By collecting and returning samples from the asteroid Bennu, scientists aim to gain unprecedented insights into the early solar system's history, the origins of life, and the composition of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects. Analysis of the regolith will provide data on the building blocks of planets, the presence of water and organic molecules, and the physical and chemical processes that occurred billions of years ago. This mission is poised to answer fundamental questions about our cosmic origins and the potential for life beyond Earth.
How has NASA's spending on asteroid-related research evolved over time?
NASA's spending on asteroid-related research has seen a notable increase over the past few decades, driven by growing scientific interest and concerns about planetary defense. Early efforts were more focused on basic astronomical surveys to catalog near-Earth objects. More recently, funding has expanded to include dedicated missions for reconnaissance, characterization, and sample return, such as OSIRIS-REX and the upcoming OSIRIS-APEX (formerly OSIPHIS). Investments have also grown in technologies for asteroid deflection and impact mitigation. This trend reflects a maturing understanding of asteroids' scientific value and their potential threat, leading to more comprehensive research and exploration programs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH09ZDA007O
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AZ ST. SEC. of State (UEI: 072459266)
Address: 888 N EUCLID AVE, TUCSON, AZ, 85719
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $40,199,201
Exercised Options: $40,199,201
Current Obligation: $39,081,773
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 20
Total Subaward Amount: $12,801,940
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-03-06
Current End Date: 2016-11-12
Potential End Date: 2016-11-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-11-05
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