Award
Definitive Contract #80GSFC26C0032
Definitive Contract with Blue Origin for Mars Communication Systems
Buyer
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Award Amount
$660,000,017.00
Ceiling
$660,000,017.00
Awarded
September 01, 2026
Period of Performance
Sep 01, 2026 – Dec 31, 2030
Identifier
80GSFC26C0032
NAICS
336414
This award represents a definitive contract granted to Blue Origin, LLC, a leading aerospace manufacturer known for its innovative space technologies. The contract focuses on the design, development, integration, launch, and continuous on-orbit communications support specifically for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, as well as for upcoming Mars surface, orbital, and human exploration projects. This multi-year contract is significant for advancing NASA’s capabilities in interplanetary communication, directly impacting future scientific exploration and human presence on Mars. The scope includes comprehensive communications systems development and operational support ensuring continuous data transmission between Mars missions and Earth. The contract was competitively awarded, reflecting its strategic importance and the advanced expertise required. Performance is to commence in the near future, with a long-term potential extension, underscoring a sustained commitment to space exploration initiatives in Huntsville, Alabama.
Description
PROVIDE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, LAUNCH, AND ON ORBIT, CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATIONS IN SUPPORT OF A MARS SAMPLE RETURN (MSR) MISSION AND FUTURE MARS SURFACE, ORBITAL, AND HUMAN EXPLORATION MISSIONS.