NASA Awards $2.5M for Debris Remediation Payload Development to Trans Astronautica Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,499,407 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Trans Astronautica Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-05
End Date: 2027-09-04
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CCRPP 80NSSC25C0432 TRANSASTRA CAPTURE BAG FOR LARGE DEBRIS REMEDIATION - DEMONSTRATION PAYLOAD DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91331
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.5 million to TRANS ASTRONAUTICA CORPORATION for work described as: CCRPP 80NSSC25C0432 TRANSASTRA CAPTURE BAG FOR LARGE DEBRIS REMEDIATION - DEMONSTRATION PAYLOAD DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for physical sciences, specifically debris remediation. 2. Trans Astronautica Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. Risk is moderate due to the R&D nature and demonstration payload. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, but R&D is a key area.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.49M for a 2-year R&D effort appears reasonable for a demonstration payload. Benchmarking is difficult without specific comparable R&D contracts for similar debris remediation technologies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES', indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs than a fully open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development of a potentially beneficial technology for space debris. The ultimate taxpayer impact depends on the success and future application of this technology.
Public Impact
Advancement in space debris remediation technology could lead to safer space operations. Investment in R&D supports innovation in the aerospace sector. Potential for future cost savings if debris is managed more effectively.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty of success.
- Demonstration payload scope needs clear definition.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for space sustainability.
- Supports technological advancement in a key sector.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to higher risk and longer timelines compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Trans Astronautica Corporation, is not indicated as a small business. There is no specific analysis of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight will be critical to ensure the successful development of the demonstration payload and adherence to the firm fixed price. Accountability will be measured by the delivery of the payload and its performance metrics.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated.
- Risk of technology not performing as expected during demonstration.
- Dependence on a single contractor for this specific technology development.
- Uncertainty in the long-term viability and scalability of the solution.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.5 million to TRANS ASTRONAUTICA CORPORATION. CCRPP 80NSSC25C0432 TRANSASTRA CAPTURE BAG FOR LARGE DEBRIS REMEDIATION - DEMONSTRATION PAYLOAD DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRANS ASTRONAUTICA CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-05. End: 2027-09-04.
What is the specific technical approach Trans Astronautica Corporation will use for debris capture, and how does it compare to alternative methods?
The provided data does not detail the specific technical approach for debris capture. Further analysis would require reviewing the proposal or technical documentation associated with the contract. Comparing it to alternative methods would involve researching existing debris removal technologies and their respective TRLs (Technology Readiness Levels) and cost-effectiveness.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this demonstration payload, and what are the consequences if they are not met?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided summary. Typically, for a demonstration payload, KPIs would relate to capture success rate, debris containment, power consumption, and operational lifespan. Failure to meet KPIs under a Firm Fixed Price contract could lead to penalties, contract termination, or requirements for corrective action, depending on the contract's specific clauses.
How will the success of this R&D effort be measured in terms of its contribution to NASA's long-term space debris mitigation goals?
Success will likely be measured by the successful demonstration of the capture technology's capabilities in a relevant environment, meeting predefined technical objectives. Its contribution to long-term goals will be assessed by its potential scalability, cost-effectiveness, and integration into future operational debris removal missions, as evaluated through post-demonstration reviews.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 13539 DESMOND ST, PACOIMA, CA, 91331
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,499,407
Exercised Options: $2,499,407
Current Obligation: $2,499,407
Actual Outlays: $550,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-05
Current End Date: 2027-09-04
Potential End Date: 2027-09-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-03
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