* Exploration Systems Architecture Study

On May 6 2005, NASA started a review of the Crew Exploration Vehicle architecture to determine ways to minimize the gap between an operational CEV and retirement of the Shuttle in 2010. This assessment was a part of the "Exploration Systems Architecture Study", which was chartered by the NASA Administrator on April 29, 2005. The results of this analysis were anticipated by mid-July 2005.

The Exploration Systems Architecture Study took place concurrent with the evaluation of offer of proposals received May 2, 2005 in response to NASA CEV Request for Proposal (RFP) issued March 1, 2005 by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.

* Two Contracts: Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman / Boeing

On 13 June 2005 NASA announced the selection of Lockheed Martin Corporation and the team of Northrop Grumman / Boeing as the two contractors to compete in the design and production process for the Space Shuttle's replacement. Eventually one contractor would be selected to build the NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle.

The CEV acquisition strategy is a multi-phased project. Phase 1 called for industry to mature their crewed vehicle designs and demonstrate their ability to manage the cost, schedule, and risk of human-rated spacecraft development.

Phase 2, covering final CEV design and production, was scheduled to start with a down-selection to a single industry team in 2008. To reduce or eliminate the gap between the Shuttle's retirement in 2010 and an operational CEV, the Phase 2 down-selection is planned for 2006.

Results of the Exploration Systems Architectural Study will be incorporated into a 'Call For Improvements' later in 2005. Final selection of a single CEV contractor will be evaluated from the proposals from the two contractors.

* T/Space Drop Tests New Booster Design

On 14 June 2005 Transformational Space Corporation successfully completed its third test of its 1/5th scale mock-up of its new booster design. The mock-up was flown aloft by Scaled Composite's Proteus aircraft and then dropped. Previous drops were on May 24 and June 7.

* NASA Awards Crew Exploration Vehicle Contracts

On 12 July 2005, NASA authorized two 8 month contracts to Lockheed Martin Corporation and to the Northrop Grumman / Boeing team. Each contract is worth approximately $28 million.

During this contract period they will develop designs for human space flight and demonstrate an ability to manage costs, schedules and risks. In July 2006 a review of the engineering systems for the NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle might take place.

Originally, the selection of a single industry team was planned for 2008, but to reduce or eliminate the time between the Shuttle's retirement in 2010 and the first CEV flight, the selection is planned for 2006.The Crew Exploration Vehicle is expected to carry up to six astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit soon after the Space Shuttle is retired in 2010, and then on to the moon as early as 2015.

Did you know?

What is Project Constellation?

Project Constellation is the project to develop and test the Crew Exploration Vehicle and implement NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. Constellation Systems is responsible for developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and related exploration architecture systems.