NASA ISS Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract winners

[DocM]

Winners;

 

SpaceX Dragon

OrbitalATK Cygnus

SNC Dream Chaser

 

Dream Chaser WILL FLY

 

More soon

[DocM]

 

 

 

[DocM]

OrbitalATK Cygnus missions will always berth

SNC Dream Chaser and Dragon can dock or berth

SpaceX Dragon 1: berth, with Canadarm (largest hatch if needed)

SpaceX Dragon 2: dock, automated and no Canadarm
 

 

[DocM]

 

Edwards AFB, the Houston Spaceport (Ellington) and KSC are the prime land landing sites.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Still listening as I type, but appears 6 missions each, in various mission packages, starting in 2019 and on to 2024, 5 year contracts. First missions may be released this year. It is a minimum of 6 flights each and can be increased for a launch provider.

 

Kirk stated that missions are a service and alluded to FAA certification is up to the launcher for landing methods...example, SNC runway landing and SpaceX propulsive landing.

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

So far, still listening, SpaceX given another CRS1 mission to bridge gap between CRS1 and CRS2. ATK has proposals in also but no other selections yet. Increased cargo capability met by all three. Dragon versatile for berthing and docking. Enhanced Cygnus only on Atlas, back to standard size for ATK.

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Procurement has no effect on Progress supply, they will carry on as normal. Dragon can land and have 6 hr for water and 3 hour for land...therefore off load times same as projected SNC. Dragon versatility gives many options.

 

[DocM]

Having both Dragons offers a pretty nice mix of capabilities, effectively 4 spacecraft were chosen.

 

Very nice.

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Each mission between providers cannot be compared due to differences and prices are commercial competition kept by providers and will not be divulged by NASA. Price was important in selection though...values were significantly below government allocation. Briefing now over....

 

[DocM]

Max total of the awards is $14 billion.

 

And of course; Boeing and Lockheed Martin were shut out.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Point of note...may have been a slip up by Kirk, but he was talking about launcher recovery from accidents, and mentioned about the F9 FT and let it slip that NASA was satisfied with all data and has been accepted for CRS...but we pretty much figured that would be the case.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

I am happy all 3 were chosen as it gives SNC a chance to move forward. SNC will be under the gun, the whole time as they have a lot of qualifications to do. I would hazard to guess that SpaceX proved to be the best bargain, monetarily, of the bunch. Will be nice to see the printed requirements but I assume we may never know costs unless a slip up squeaks out.

 

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

NASA Selects Orbital ATK For Space Station Cargo Contract

 

Quote

Press Release From: Orbital ATK 
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2016

 

Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced it has been selected by NASA for a second contract to provide commercial cargo delivery and disposal services to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract, the company was awarded six initial cargo missions, valued at about $1.2-$1.5 billion, to be carried out beginning in 2019. Depending on the spacecraft/launch vehicle configurations used, these initial missions will deliver approximately 22,500-26,500 kilograms (or 49,000-58,000 pounds) of supplies and equipment to the orbiting laboratory. Later in the contract, NASA may award additional missions for the 2021-2024 period based on operational requirements of the ISS.

 

For the upcoming CRS-2 missions, Orbital ATK’s Cygnus™ spacecraft can be carried into orbit by either the company’s upgraded Antares™ launch vehicle or United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket. This option enables NASA to better tailor future missions to meet specific ISS operational requirements, as well as demonstrating the flexibility of the Cygnus spacecraft for cargo supply to the ISS.

 

“We are grateful for NASA’s continued confidence in our ability to provide reliable and affordable commercial cargo transportation services to the International Space Station,” said David W. Thompson, Orbital ATK’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With our flexible cargo delivery system now up and running, our team is well prepared to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station for years to come.”

 

Orbital ATK has already delivered approximately 7,300 kilograms (or 16,000 pounds) of cargo to the ISS during four successful missions since 2013. Its next CRS mission (called “OA-6”) is scheduled for launch in March aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The OA-6 mission will again utilize an enhanced Cygnus spacecraft capable of carrying over 40% more cargo by incorporating a larger pressurized cargo module than the previous design. For the upcoming mission, Cygnus will deliver approximately 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) of cargo to the ISS.

 

“This second CRS contract award reinforces Orbital ATK’s role as a trusted partner to NASA with a proven cargo delivery and disposal service that continues to support the important work being performed aboard the ISS,” said Frank Culbertson, President of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group. “Our goal for both CRS-1 and CRS-2 remains unchanged, which is to support the needs of the crew members aboard the ISS with 100 percent mission success and schedule certainty.”

 

For all upcoming missions under the CRS-1 and CRS-2 contracts, Orbital ATK will use the enhanced Cygnus design. In addition to its larger pressurized cargo module that allows increased cargo capacity, the enhanced Cygnus incorporates high-performance UltraFlex™ solar arrays designed and manufactured by the company’s Space Components Division in Goleta, California.

 

“By utilizing the flexibility of our Cygnus spacecraft, combined with a mixed fleet of launch vehicles, Orbital ATK is providing NASA a complete portfolio of mission options to fulfill their cargo delivery needs,” said Culbertson.

 

CRS-2 missions to be launched aboard the company’s upgraded Antares rocket will originate from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia. With support from NASA and Orbital ATK, MARS has completed repairs and upgrades to the Pad 0A launch complex for compatibility with the new Antares configuration. The upgraded Antares will be powered by dual RD-181 main stage engines and a modified first stage core structure that provide increased lift capacity to enable greater payloads as compared to the original Antares design. 

 

“The upgraded Antares is currently undergoing integration with the new RD-181 engines fully installed into the first stage of the rocket,” said Scott Lehr, President of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group. “We remain on schedule for Antares launches to resume in the second quarter of 2016.”

About Orbital ATK

 

Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.

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http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=47689

 

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NASA Selects Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Spacecraft for CRS2 Contract

 

Quote

Press Release From: Sierra Nevada Corporation 
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2016

 

Today, NASA competitively selected Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems to receive a multi-year contract to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal services for the International Space Station (ISS). SNC received a Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract, to fulfill a minimum of six cargo delivery service missions to and from the ISS utilizing SNC’s Dream Chaser Cargo System. NASA’s selection of SNC for the CRS2 program will enable spacecraft reusability and runway landings for United States’ cargo delivery and access to the ISS through 2024.

 

“SNC is honored to be selected by NASA for this critical U.S. program,” said Eren Ozmen, president of Sierra Nevada Corporation. “In such a major competition, we are truly humbled by the show of confidence in SNC and look forward to successfully demonstrating the extensive capabilities of the Dream Chaser spacecraft to the world. SNC’s receipt of this award is an American Dream come true for all of us. We thank NASA, the Administration and Congress for recognizing the importance of this vital program by supporting the CRS2 contract.”

 

SNC is the owner and prime operator of the reusable Dream Chaser spacecraft, which has been in development for over 10 years, including six years as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and leverages over 40 years of NASA development and space shuttle heritage.

 

“The Dream Chaser Cargo System offers NASA a safe, reliable and affordable solution for ISS cargo delivery, return and disposal, ensuring the effective utilization and sustainability of the ISS for years to come,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “Within a few short years, the world will once again see a United States winged vehicle launch and return from space to a runway landing. We wanted to thank our more than 30 industry, university and NASA center partners for helping us make history and open up the next generation of spaceflight.”

SNC’s Dream Chaser Cargo System features include:

 

An innovative folding-wing design which allows the Dream Chaser spacecraft to fit inside existing launch vehicle fairings, making it compatible with a diverse suite of rockets and assuring access to space

The ability to simultaneously deliver 5,500 kg of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS, which exceeds NASA’s CRS2 RFP requirements
High reusability that reduces costs and enables quick reflight. Responsive pressurized cargo return capability – ensuring scientific experiments are promptly returned to the researchers as intended and without contamination

Low-g reentry and gentle runway landing – critical for the return of sensitive payloads, scientific experiments and immediate access to cargo
All non-toxic propellants and consumables, making the Dream Chaser spacecraft the first vehicle in history to achieve this level of environmental responsibility

The Dream Chaser program will continue to be based in Louisville, Colorado. SNC expects to significantly expand operations in Colorado and throughout the United States, in conjunction with its international partners, to support contract requirements. The growing employment scope and economic impact of SNC and its partner organizations – the Dream Team – now spans over 25 states and 15 countries and will continue to grow under the CRS2 contract.

 

More information about SNC’s Dream Chaser program can be found at www.SNCspace.com.

Photo Cutline: SNC's Dream Chaser Spacecraft and Cargo Module attached to the ISS.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems 
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers, as well as for the international market. SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components. During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com and follow us at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.

 

About Sierra Nevada Corporation 
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, delivers technology and teams designed to connect and protect, through innovative solutions in aircraft, aerospace, electronics, cyber and avionics. With a track record of success spanning five decades, SNC has been honored as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, “The Top Woman-owned Federal Contractor in the U.S.,” and is among “The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” SNC and its subsidiaries and affiliates operate under the leadership of President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, with a workforce of more than 3,000 personnel in 33 locations in 18 U.S. states, England, Germany and Turkey.

For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation. Sierra Nevada Corporation and SNC are trademarks of Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Media Contact: Comms@sncorp.com or Betsy McDonald at 775-849-6435.

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http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=47688

 

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Smith, Babin Congratulate NASA Commercial Cargo Awardees

 

Quote

Press Release From: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2016

 

Washington, D.C. – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas) released the following statement today after NASA announced awardees for the next phase of the Commercial Cargo program.

Chairman Smith and Babin: “Congratulations to SpaceX, Orbital ATK, and Sierra Nevada on their awards for the next round of Commercial Cargo Resupply Contracts, which also supports our human spaceflight program. These companies and the thousands they employ have a crucial task before them as they supply the International Space Station.

 

“The Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act that was recently signed into law is a testament to Congress’s support of the commercial space industry that is vital to maintaining American space leadership. The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee will continue working closely with these contractors and NASA as we learn more details.”

 

The companies announced today will be contracted to ferry supplies to the International Space Station from 2019-2024.
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http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=47687

 

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Waiting for SpaceX, if they release anything...

[DocM]

SNC's Dream Chaser® Cargo System 

A Transportation System to Deliver Cargo to the ISS for NASA

 

Published on Jan 14, 2016

 

Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser spacecraft has been selected under the second phase of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract to ferry cargo, crew supplies and experiments to the International Space Station.

 

 

 

 

[Beittil]

Really cool to see the SNC Dreamchaser finally getting a piece of the pie after losing out on earlier contract. I know it must sort of feel like a '2nd prize' for them, but at the very least it must be a VERY rewarding feeling for them knowing that they will finally actually get to go to space with their vehicle, plus this contract and the missions flowing forth from it will give them invaluable data for transforming Dreamchaser to its human rated variant.

 

Way to go SNC!

 

Also, is it just me or was the online 'reliable and affordable' bragging by Orbital ATK after the announcement a bit uncalled for? I mean, Antares friggin blew up on their last attempt to launch it and the only reason Cygnus is currently in action is because of Atlas V! Which would coincidently ground both Dreamchaser and the enhanced Cygnus if it decided to fail

 

And as for SpaceX, well... that was kind of a no-brainer imho. Now if they hadn't won a contract that would have been a real shocker

[watkinsx2]

I think I'm more excited about SNC here getting a go than anything else!

 

Am I right in thinking they are using ULA for launches? I wonder if there is a possibility of them using F9 Heavy in future.

[DocM]

SNC is contracted to launch on Atlas V for a couple of flights, but note they stressed being launcher agnostic. Key is that they now show Dream Chaser flying on an Atlas V 552, the most expensive variant. Previously they showed an Atlas V 412 and 422, cheaper birds.

 

IMO SNC will fulfill their Atlas V obligation then look for alternatives; F9, Blues launcher etc.

 

And SpaceX will fly 2 birds; Dragon 1 and Dragon 2, the latter with propulsive landings if NASA needs fast return cargo access.

Edited January 15, 2016 by DocM

[Beittil]

Correct, they will use Atlas V. And while Falcon 9 would probably be more than capable of launching it as well I don't see it happening for now.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

NASA offers more details on cargo contract decision

 

A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft berthed to the International Space Station. SpaceX had the best technical ratings of the three winning CRS-2 proposals, but also, by the approach NASA used, the highest price. Credit: NASA

 

Quote

WASHINGTON — NASA documents about the selection of commercial cargo contracts announced in January show that SpaceX had the highest technical ratings of the three winning companies, but also, by one metric, the highest price.

 

NASA released Feb. 5 the source selection statement for the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) 2 contracts, which the agency awarded Jan. 14 to Orbital ATK, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and SpaceX to transport cargo to and from the International Space Station. The statement provides details about NASA’s evaluation of the CRS-2 proposals and the rationale for selecting the winning companies.

 

NASA evaluated the CRS-2 proposals on three major factors: price, past performance and “mission suitability,” which examines the bidder’s technical and management approach as well as use of small businesses. NASA weighted price approximately the same as the combination of mission suitability and past performance, with mission suitability alone more important than past performance.

 

SpaceX did the best of the three companies in mission suitability, with 922 out of a 1,000 possible points. Orbital ATK had a score of 880 and SNC 879. All three companies received a “high” confidence rating in past performance.

 

The document did not provide specific price information, only that reviewers deemed the prices “reasonable” based on “other competitive and historical prices.” The document states, though, that SpaceX’s prices were “notably higher” that Orbital ATK, which had the lowest prices, and “somewhat higher” than SNC.

 

The price used in the evaluation, though, was based only on one aspect of the overall cargo delivery service requested in the CRS-2 competition. According to the statement, evaluators calculated integration prices for cargo services, plus the cost of transporting pressurized cargo to the station assuming each company delivered half of NASA’s estimated demand each year.

 

However, the price calculation did not include cost for unpressurized cargo delivery to the station. It did not also include pricing for taking cargo away from the station either for destructive reentry in the Earth’s atmosphere or return to the Earth.

 

The use of pressurized cargo to the station for price calculations, those familiar with the evaluation process say, was used because it was common among all proposals. Orbital ATK does not return cargo to Earth with its Cygnus spacecraft and requires a separate mission to deliver unpressurized cargo to the station. SpaceX, by comparison, does not dispose cargo through destructive reentry. Taking those additional services into account could result in a more favorable overall price per kilogram of cargo for SpaceX.

 

William Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for human exploration and operations and the agency official who made the final decision on the CRS-2 awards, said the higher SpaceX costs for pressurized cargo delivery had to do with the production and size of the company’s Dragon spacecraft, which will also have a version carrying crew.

 

“Having two separate vehicles with separate production lines contributed to the prices, as well as the vehicle sizes which impact the cargo capacity and number of missions needed per year to deliver the required amount of upmass,” he wrote. The statement doesn’t list cargo capacities of the vehicles, but notes Orbital’s Cygnus vehicle can carry more mass than Dragon, and Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser even more.

 

The differences in technical scoring or pricing did not play a major factor in NASA’s final decision to award all three companies with CRS-2 contracts. “All three proposals meet or exceed the requirements of the RFP and will provide good value to NASA and the ISS,” Gerstenmaier concluded.

The source selection statement also confirmed that, beyond the three winning companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin were the only others to submit proposals. The document, however, offers few details about why those companies failed to win contracts.

 

According to the statement, an initial review of the proposals submitted in December 2014 found that Lockheed Martin was not in the “competitive range” and thus was no longer considered for evaluation. NASA contacted the other four companies in May 2015, who updated their proposals by July.

 

In November, NASA decided to narrow the competitive range of CRS-2 proposals again, excluding those proposals “that were no longer among the most highly rated.” That dropped Boeing from the competition, although the source selection statement gave no additional information on what set Boeing apart from the other three companies.

 

NASA asked the remaining companies to revise their proposals to take into account schedule changes in the CRS-2 program, with the first missions, originally scheduled for 2018, now planned for late 2019. The updates, delivered to NASA by a Dec. 8 deadline, resulted in unspecified updates to pricing, but no changes to the mission suitability and past performance scoring.

http://spacenews.com/nasa-offers-more-details-on-cargo-contract-decision/

 

Source Selection Statement...pdf

http://procurement.jsc.nasa.gov/sss/CRS2%20Source%20Selection%20Statement.pdf