NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services
The NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program is "the first major step to return astronauts to the Moon under Space Policy Directive-1" [1]. Under this program, NASA will purchase delivery services to the Lunar surface from commercial companies for their scientific and technology demonstration payloads. "These companies will bid on delivering science and technology payloads for NASA, including payload integration and operations, launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the Moon." [1]
On May 31, 2019 NASA awarded three American companies (out of 9 candidates) with surface task orders. The three companies are Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, and Orbit Beyond. These early missions will test the technologies and capabilities needed to design manned landers. "NASA will look at a number of factors including technical, price, and schedule. The agency may make one or more awards per task order." [1].
CLPS specifics
- "CLPS contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts with a cumulative maximum contract value of $2.6 billion during the next 10 years." [1]
- "The first lunar delivery is targeted to launch September 2020." [1]
- "Additional surface task orders are expected at a later date.
- "Future on-ramp opportunities for new vendors will be announced in 2020." [1]
CLPS Commercial Providers [1]
- Astrobotic Technology (Awarded 2019 contract)
- Deep Space Systems
- Draper
- Firefly Aerospace
- Intuitive Machines (Awarded 2019 contract)
- Lockheed Martin Space
- Masten Space Systems
- Moon Express
- Orbit Beyond (Awarded 2019 contract)
Contacts [1]
- Project Contacts
- Steve Clarke - Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, NASA Science Mission Directorate (steven.w.clarke@nasa.gov)
- Christopher Culbert - Program Manager, NASA Johnson (christopher.j.culbert@nasa.gov)
- Dominic Golemi - Contracting Officer, NASA Johnson (dominic.j.golemi@nasa.gov)
- Media Contacts
- Cheryl Warner - NASA Headquarters (202) 358-2975 (cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov)
- Jenny Knotts - Johnson Space Center (281) 792-7671 (norma.j.knotts@nasa.gov)
References
'Not yet linked into article'
- Selects First Commercial Moon Landing Services for Artemis Program. NASA. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
- Selects Experiments for Possible Lunar Flights in 2019. NASA. NASA Selects Experiments for Possible Lunar Flights in 2019.
Other resources
