NASA awards $21M contract to Arizona State University for lunar resource instruments to support Mars missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,038,727 ($21.0M)
Contractor: Arizona State University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-06-15
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 3,211 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NASA IS SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS THAT MIGHT REVEAL ANSWERS ABOUT LUNAR RESOURCES THAT COULD SUPPORT THE AGENCY'S JOURNEY TO MARS. NASA WOULD SPONSOR THE INSTRUMENTS TO FLY ON A LUNAR ORBITER DESIGNED BY THE KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (KARI). THE SPACECRAFT, THE KOREA PATHFINDER LUNAR ORBITER (KPLO), IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH IN DECEMBER 2018, AND IS PART OF KARI'S KOREA LUNAR EXPLORATION PROGRAM, WHICH AIMS TO ROBOTICALLY EXPLORE THE MOON THROUGH A SERIES OF ORBITER AND LANDER MISSIONS, STARTING WITH THE KPLO. KARI, HEADQUARTERED IN DAEJEON, SOUTH KOREA, PROVIDED NASA WITH ABOUT 33 POUNDS (15 KILOGRAMS) OF PAYLOAD MASS ABOARD THE KPLO, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH INTO LUNAR ORBIT IN DECEMBER 2018. IN SEPTEMBER 2016, NASA ISSUED A SOLICITATION SEEKING SCIENCE INSTRUMENTS THAT COULD INCREASE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF VOLATILES, SUCH AS WATER, INCLUDING THE MOVEMENT OF SUCH RESOURCES TOWARD PERMANENTLY SHADOWED REGIONS AND HOW THEY BECOME TRAPPED THERE. SHADOWCAM WILL MAP THE REFLECTANCE WITHIN THE PERMANENTLY SHADOWED REGIONS TO SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF FROST OR ICE DEPOSITS. THE INSTRUMENT'S OPTICAL CAMERA IS BASED ON THE LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER NARROW ANGLE CAMERA, BUT IS 800 TIMES MORE SENSITIVE, ALLOWING IT TO OBTAIN HIGH-RESOLUTION, HIGH SIGNAL-TO-NOISE IMAGING OF THE MOON'S PERMANENTLY SHADOWED REGIONS. SHADOWCAM WILL OBSERVE THE PSRS MONTHLY TO DETECT SEASONAL CHANGES AND MEASURE THE TERRAIN INSIDE THE CRATERS, INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOULDERS. NASA'S ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS DIVISION (AES) LED THE PAYLOAD SOLICITATION AND SELECTION FOR THE NASA INSTRUMENT ON KPLO. A DIVISION OF THE HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE, AES USES INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO RAPIDLY DEVELOP PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS, ADVANCE KEY CAPABILITIES, AND VALIDATE OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS FOR FUTURE HUMAN MISSIONS BEYOND EARTH ORBIT. THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH KARI, AES IS ADDRESSING KEY LUNAR SKGS WHILE COMPLEMENTING KARI'S PRIMARY MISSION OBJECTIVES AND INSTRUMENTS.
Place of Performance
Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85281
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $21.0 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NASA IS SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS THAT MIGHT REVEAL ANSWERS ABOUT LUNAR RESOURCES THAT COULD SUPPORT THE AGENCY'S JOURNEY TO MARS. NASA WOULD SPONSOR THE INSTRUMENTS TO FLY ON A LUNAR ORBITER DESIGNED BY THE KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (K… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on scientific instruments for lunar resource exploration, aligning with long-term Mars objectives. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further analysis of specific instrument deliverables and their alignment with scientific goals. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open solicitation, suggesting a broad market engagement. 4. Risk indicators are moderate, given the R&D nature of the contract and the reliance on a partner launch vehicle. 5. Performance context involves developing instruments for a Korean orbiter, highlighting international collaboration in space exploration. 6. Sector positioning places this contract within the advanced R&D and space exploration segment of the aerospace industry.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21 million for scientific instruments is within a typical range for this type of specialized R&D. Benchmarking against similar NASA solicitations for instrument development reveals comparable award amounts. However, a definitive value-for-money assessment requires a detailed breakdown of the proposed instruments, their technological readiness levels, and the expected scientific return on investment. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the complexity of space-bound instrumentation introduces inherent risks that could impact final costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources. The solicitation likely attracted multiple bids, allowing for price and technical evaluation to determine the best value. The level of competition is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently. The specific number of bidders was not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to better value for the investment.
Public Impact
Benefits Arizona State University's research capabilities and its role in national and international space exploration initiatives. Delivers critical scientific instruments designed to analyze lunar resources, potentially paving the way for future human exploration. Geographic impact is primarily focused on Arizona, with potential broader implications for the U.S. space industry and scientific community. Workforce implications include support for researchers, engineers, and technicians at ASU involved in instrument design, development, and testing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a partner nation's launch vehicle introduces schedule and technical integration risks.
- The R&D nature of developing novel scientific instruments carries inherent technical challenges and potential for cost overruns.
- Long project duration (through 2026) increases exposure to changing technological landscapes and funding priorities.
Positive Signals
- Strong academic partner (ASU) with a proven track record in space science and instrument development.
- Clear scientific objectives aligned with NASA's strategic goals for lunar exploration and Mars preparedness.
- International collaboration demonstrates a strategic approach to leveraging global resources and expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to space exploration. The market for space-based scientific instruments is highly specialized, involving a mix of academic institutions, government labs, and private aerospace companies. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and developing technologies for future missions. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other instrument development contracts for planetary science or Earth observation missions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Arizona State University, a large research institution, and does not suggest a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The focus on specialized R&D may limit opportunities for broad small business participation unless specific components or services are outsourced to smaller, niche providers.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is likely managed by NASA's relevant program offices and contracting officers. Accountability measures would be tied to the successful development and delivery of the specified scientific instruments according to the contract's technical requirements and schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases and NASA's reporting mechanisms, although detailed internal project oversight specifics are not publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Lunar Exploration Program
- NASA Mars Exploration Program
- Space Science Instrument Development
- Planetary Science Research
- International Space Cooperation
Risk Flags
- Technical Risk: Development of novel space instruments.
- Schedule Risk: Reliance on international partner launch.
- Integration Risk: Interfacing with foreign spacecraft.
- Long-term Project Duration.
Tags
rnd, space-exploration, nasa, arizona-state-university, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, scientific-instruments, lunar-resources, international-collaboration, aerospace, research-and-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $21.0 million to ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. IGF::OT::IGF NASA IS SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS THAT MIGHT REVEAL ANSWERS ABOUT LUNAR RESOURCES THAT COULD SUPPORT THE AGENCY'S JOURNEY TO MARS. NASA WOULD SPONSOR THE INSTRUMENTS TO FLY ON A LUNAR ORBITER DESIGNED BY THE KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (KARI). THE SPACECRAFT, THE KOREA PATHFINDER LUNAR ORBITER (KPLO), IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH IN DECEMBER 2018, AND IS PART OF KARI'S KOREA LUNAR EXPLORATION PROGRAM, WHICH AIMS TO ROBOTICALLY EXPLORE THE MOON THROUGH A SERIES
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 $21.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-06-15. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the specific scientific return expected from the instruments to be developed under this contract?
The primary scientific objective is to reveal answers about lunar resources. This could include identifying the presence, distribution, and accessibility of water ice, volatile compounds, or valuable minerals on the Moon. Such data is crucial for understanding the Moon's geological history, its potential as a resource depot for future human missions (e.g., for in-situ resource utilization - ISRU), and its role in the broader solar system context. The instruments will likely employ techniques such as spectroscopy, remote sensing, and potentially sample analysis, contributing to NASA's Artemis program goals and long-term aspirations for human presence on the Moon and eventual missions to Mars.
How does the $21 million award compare to other NASA contracts for similar scientific instrument development?
The $21 million award for developing scientific instruments for a lunar orbiter appears to be within the typical range for such specialized R&D efforts. NASA frequently procures complex scientific payloads, and costs can vary significantly based on instrument complexity, technology readiness level, and the number of instruments included. For context, individual instrument development contracts can range from a few million dollars for simpler sensors to tens of millions for highly sophisticated, multi-functional payloads. This award suggests a moderate level of complexity and scope for the instruments being developed by Arizona State University.
What are the key technical risks associated with developing instruments for deployment on the KPLO mission?
Key technical risks include ensuring the instruments can withstand the harsh space environment (radiation, thermal extremes, vacuum), achieving the required sensitivity and accuracy for scientific measurements, and successful integration with the KPLO spacecraft bus and power systems. Given that the KPLO is a Korean-designed orbiter, integration risks related to interfaces, data handling, and command sequences are also significant. Furthermore, the development of novel scientific instruments inherently carries risks related to achieving desired performance levels and meeting stringent reliability requirements for a mission with limited repair capabilities.
What is Arizona State University's track record in developing space-based scientific instruments for NASA?
Arizona State University (ASU) has a strong and well-established track record in developing scientific instruments for space missions, particularly in planetary science. ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration has been involved in numerous NASA missions, contributing instruments for orbiters, landers, and rovers exploring various bodies in our solar system. They have a history of successfully delivering complex scientific payloads, demonstrating significant expertise in instrument design, fabrication, testing, and data analysis, making them a credible partner for this lunar resource investigation.
What are the implications of launching on a KARI-provided orbiter for NASA's overall lunar exploration strategy?
Launching on the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) signifies NASA's strategy of leveraging international partnerships to achieve its exploration goals efficiently and cost-effectively. By utilizing KARI's spacecraft, NASA can deploy its scientific instruments without incurring the full cost and development time associated with building and launching its own dedicated orbiter. This approach allows NASA to focus its resources on developing cutting-edge science payloads and advancing its human exploration objectives, while still gathering valuable scientific data from lunar orbit. It also fosters diplomatic ties and collaborative research within the global space community.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH12ZDA006O-KPLO
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 660 S MILL AVE STE 312, TEMPE, AZ, 85281
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
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,677,936
Exercised Options: $39,677,936
Current Obligation: $21,038,727
Actual Outlays: $12,479,657
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $2,865,787
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-06-15
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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