SAM #MSFC_26-142

Sole-source avionics units and engineering support for Artemis IV and V

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is pursuing a sole-source procurement of avionics units and engineering support for the Artemis IV and V missions. - Requirement: Secondary Payload Avionics Units (AUs), a spare unit, and engineering support for the AUs. - Purpose: The units provide power and control for the SLS Secondary Payload Deployment System, which deploys secondary payloads from the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Stage Adapter. - Unit capabilities: Each AU includes a sequencer that can store and execute multiple deployment scenarios, plus a battery to power the deployment system. The total quantity, including the spare, is not specified. - Proposed supplier: NASA plans a sole-source award to Space Vector LLC, identified as the qualified designer and manufacturer with flight heritage. - Urgency rationale: NASA says competition could add at least five months and put mission schedules at risk. - Schedule context: The procurement supports Artemis IV and V. Artemis IV is planned for launch by 2028, with capability demonstration milestones planned for FY 2027. A contract performance period is not specified. - Pricing and identifiers: The provided information does not state an anticipated cost, part numbers, or exact quantities.

Description

Secondary Payload Avionics Units (AUs) and engineering support for Artemis missions including a spare unit, as part of the SLS Secondary Payload Deployment System to control the deployment of secondary payloads from the Orion Stage Adaptor during these missions. Each AU is comprised of a sequencer, capable of storing and executing multiple deployment scenarios, and a battery to supply power to the deployment system for the duration of the mission objectives.

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