General Dynamics wins $642.2M satellite communications deal
Seven-year contract with NASA will modernize new ground-system architecture for space network
- By David Hubler
- Jun 18, 2010
General Dynamics Corp. will upgrade NASA satellite communications under a seven-year contract that has a potential total value of approximately $642.2 million.
The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract calls for General Dynamics C4 Systems unit to modernize NASA’s Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS) constellation network, part of the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment project, according to a June 17 General Dynamics announcement.
As the prime system integrator for the project, General Dynamics will implement a new ground-system architecture that ensures the space network will continue to provide global space-to-ground telecommunications and tracking coverage for low-Earth orbit and near-Earth space flight missions.
Particular focus will be given to project integration, testing and operational transition so the new system is implemented without interruption to ongoing operations of the space network, which supports all NASA scientific and human space flight missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.
Operating at the White Sands Complex in New Mexico and the TDRS Terminal on Guam, the new flexible, extensible and scalable system also will expand the capabilities needed for future space missions by accommodating larger quantities of data with expanded coverage at greater distances, the announcement said.
General Dynamics will staff the project from its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., and at its SpacePlex facility at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Research Park in Las Cruces.
General Dynamics’ team includes Harris Corp. of Melbourne, Fla.; GMV Space Systems of Rockville, Md.; Rincon Research Corp. of Tucson, Ariz.; a.i. Solutions of Lanham, Md.; RT Logic of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Qwaltec of Tempe, Ariz.
The period of performance is from June 21, 2010, through June 20, 2017.
General Dynamics, of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.
About the Author
David Hubler is the former print managing editor for GCN and senior editor for Washington Technology. He is freelance writer living in Annandale, Va.