PlanetSpace announced they have added the Space Exploration division of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) to its existing teammates, Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), on the proposed solution to NASA for the Commercial Resupply Services to the International Space Station.
The PlanetSpace ISS Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) team includes the following major members:
- PlanetSpace is the overall prime contractor and manages the CRS contract
- ATK provides the Athena III launch vehicle and ground processing
- Lockheed Martin and Boeing will develop, produce and operate modular Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTV) that serve as the cargo carriers to the International Space Station
Boeing‘s role on the team includes providing cargo carrier development, cargo integration services, and ISS integration and operations support. ATK provides the Athena III launch vehicle for the PlanetSpace team. It is based on propulsion with demonstrated performance on multiple launch vehicles. The first stage is a 2.5 segment derivative of the Space Shuttle‘s four-segment Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The second stage is the ATK CASTOR®120, utilized on the Athena I, Athena II and Taurus I launch vehicles. That foundation is topped by an ATK CASTOR 30 third stage and a flight-proven Orbit Adjust Module. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, using its autonomous spacecraft design, manufacturing, system integration, and mission operations experience, is developing the Orbital Transfer Vehicles for PlanetSpace.
The PlanetSpace consortium continues discussions with Space Florida on a nonexclusive basis for Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral. Florida is a desired location as long as satisfactory financial incentives are agreed to. Space Florida drives aerospace economic development in the state and serves as a catalyst for space-related business development, education, spaceport operations, research and development, workforce development and financing. The team’s ISS Commercial Resupply program provides 100 percent United States manufactured assets which save and create hundreds of U.S. jobs. Space Florida recognizes new jobs and economic impact exceeding $300 million and is committed to launch site construction with PlanetSpace serving as the anchor tenant. Additional team participants include PTC, SPACEHAB and MEHTA Engineering.
