NASA's Lucy mission contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for $347.8M to explore Jupiter Trojan asteroids
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $347,817,273 ($347.8M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-06-14
End Date: 2033-04-16
Contract Duration: 5,785 days
Daily Burn Rate: $60.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE LUCY SPACECRAFT AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACT EMBODIES THE MISSION'S REQUIREMENT TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND OPERATE THE LUCY SPACECRAFT BUS. LUCY WILL EXPLORE SIX JUPITER TROJAN ASTEROIDS TRAPPED BY JUPITERS GRAVITY IN TWO SWARMS THAT SHARE THE PLANETS ORBIT, ONE LEADING AND ONE TRAILING JUPITER IN ITS 12-YEAR CIRCUIT AROUND THE SUN. THE TROJANS ARE THOUGHT TO BE RELICS OF A MUCH EARLIER ERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM, AND MAY HAVE FORMED FAR BEYOND JUPITERS CURRENT ORBIT.
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, DOUGLAS County, COLORADO, 80125
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $347.8 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: THE LUCY SPACECRAFT AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACT EMBODIES THE MISSION'S REQUIREMENT TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND OPERATE THE LUCY SPACECRAFT BUS. LUCY WILL EXPLORE SIX JUPITER TROJAN ASTEROIDS TRAPPED BY JUPITERS GRAVITY IN TWO SWARMS THAT SHARE THE PLANETS ORBIT, ONE LEA… Key points: 1. Contract supports design, development, testing, and operation of the Lucy spacecraft. 2. Mission aims to study six Jupiter Trojan asteroids, offering insights into early solar system formation. 3. The contract duration extends to April 2033, indicating a long-term commitment to the mission. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 5. The spacecraft's mission is unique, targeting a specific group of asteroids not previously explored in detail. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), incentivizing performance and cost control.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $347.8 million for the Lucy spacecraft and mission operations appears reasonable given the complexity and duration of the mission. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of deep space exploration missions, NASA's historical spending on similar complex spacecraft development and operations projects suggests this is within a typical range. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows for flexibility and incentivizes contractor performance, which is crucial for a mission of this scale and scientific importance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders (5) suggests a healthy level of interest and capability within the industry for such specialized aerospace contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting efficiency and potentially lower costs through market forces. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, thereby maximizing the value received for public funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the scientific community and the public, who will gain unprecedented knowledge about the early solar system. The mission will deliver scientific data and imagery from six Jupiter Trojan asteroids. The geographic impact is global, contributing to humanity's understanding of planetary science. The contract supports highly skilled jobs in the aerospace and defense sector, particularly in Colorado where Lockheed Martin is based.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in complex, long-duration space missions.
- Technical risks associated with developing and operating a spacecraft for over a decade.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor (Lockheed Martin) for critical mission components and operations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive selection process.
- CPAF contract type incentivizes performance and cost management.
- Long-term contract duration provides stability for mission planning and execution.
- Mission's scientific importance and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a highly specialized area of the aerospace industry. This sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, significant R&D investment, and stringent quality and performance requirements. NASA's spending on deep space missions like Lucy represents a significant portion of federal investment in space exploration and scientific discovery, driving innovation in advanced materials, propulsion, and autonomous systems.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this particular contract. However, large prime contractors like Lockheed Martin typically engage small businesses for specialized components and services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the aerospace industry.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's extensive oversight mechanisms, including program management reviews, independent assessments, and contract performance monitoring, are expected to be applied to this contract. The CPAF structure includes award fees tied to performance metrics, providing a direct incentive for the contractor to meet or exceed objectives. Transparency is maintained through public mission updates and scientific publications.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Exploration Mission Programs
- Jupiter Missions
- Asteroid Exploration
- Spacecraft Development Contracts
- Deep Space Network Operations
Risk Flags
- Long-duration mission with inherent technical and operational risks.
- Reliance on complex deployment mechanisms (solar arrays).
- Potential for cost growth in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts if not managed stringently.
Tags
nasa, lockheed-martin-corp, lucy-mission, jupiter-trojan-asteroids, spacecraft-manufacturing, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-award-fee, deep-space-exploration, colorado, r&d, definitive-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $347.8 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. THE LUCY SPACECRAFT AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACT EMBODIES THE MISSION'S REQUIREMENT TO DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND OPERATE THE LUCY SPACECRAFT BUS. LUCY WILL EXPLORE SIX JUPITER TROJAN ASTEROIDS TRAPPED BY JUPITERS GRAVITY IN TWO SWARMS THAT SHARE THE PLANETS ORBIT, ONE LEADING AND ONE TRAILING JUPITER IN ITS 12-YEAR CIRCUIT AROUND THE SUN. THE TROJANS ARE THOUGHT TO BE RELICS OF A MUCH EARLIER ERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM, AND MAY HAVE FORMED FAR BEYOND JUPITERS CURRENT ORBIT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.
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 $347.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-06-14. End: 2033-04-16.
What is the track record of Lockheed Martin in executing similar complex space missions for NASA?
Lockheed Martin has a long and extensive track record of developing and operating complex spacecraft for NASA and other government agencies. They have been involved in numerous high-profile missions, including the Mars InSight lander, the James Webb Space Telescope (as a major subcontractor), and various satellite programs. Their experience spans design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and mission operations across a wide range of mission types and destinations. While specific mission outcomes can vary, Lockheed Martin is generally considered a leading aerospace contractor with proven capabilities in handling the technical challenges and program management demands of deep space exploration.
How does the value of this contract compare to other Jupiter exploration missions?
Comparing the $347.8 million contract value for the Lucy mission's spacecraft and operations to other Jupiter exploration missions requires considering mission scope, duration, and technological complexity. For instance, NASA's Juno mission, which entered Jupiter orbit in 2016, had an estimated total cost of around $1.1 billion, encompassing development, launch, and operations. However, Juno was an orbiter designed for prolonged study in Jupiter's harsh radiation environment, involving different technological challenges than Lucy's flyby mission. Missions like Galileo, which operated from 1995 to 2003, had a total cost of approximately $1.6 billion. Lucy's value appears to be in a reasonable range for a complex, multi-target deep space mission, especially when considering its specific scientific objectives and the extended operational timeline.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the Lucy mission and its spacecraft?
The Lucy mission faces several technical risks inherent in deep space exploration. These include the challenges of designing, building, and testing a spacecraft capable of surviving the long journey to Jupiter and operating reliably for over a decade. Specific risks involve the complex deployment mechanisms for its large solar arrays, the precision required for multiple asteroid flybys, and the long-term reliability of its scientific instruments and communication systems. Ensuring the spacecraft can navigate autonomously and maintain communication over vast distances is also critical. Furthermore, the harsh space environment, including radiation and micrometeoroid impacts, poses ongoing risks to spacecraft integrity and functionality throughout its extended mission duration.
How effective is the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure in managing costs and ensuring mission success for NASA?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure is designed to provide NASA with flexibility while incentivizing contractor performance. In a CPAF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fee that is composed of a base fee and an award fee. The award fee is determined by the government based on the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria, such as technical achievement, schedule adherence, and cost control. This structure aims to motivate the contractor to exceed minimum requirements and manage the project efficiently. For complex, long-duration missions like Lucy, where requirements may evolve and unforeseen challenges arise, CPAF offers a balance between cost control and the need for adaptability. However, effective administration and clear performance metrics by the government are crucial to ensure the award fee truly drives desired outcomes and prevents potential cost creep.
What is the historical spending trend for NASA's asteroid and Jupiter exploration programs?
NASA's historical spending on asteroid and Jupiter exploration programs shows a consistent, albeit fluctuating, investment in understanding our solar system. Major Jupiter missions like Galileo and Juno represent significant multi-year, multi-hundred-million-dollar endeavors. Asteroid exploration has been pursued through various missions, including NEAR Shoemaker, Dawn, OSIRIS-REx, and Hayabusa2 (though the latter two are JAXA missions with NASA participation). These missions vary in cost depending on their complexity, duration, and scientific objectives, ranging from tens of millions for simpler reconnaissance missions to over a billion dollars for complex orbiters or sample return missions. The Lucy mission's $347.8 million value fits within this historical context, reflecting the substantial resources required for ambitious deep space scientific exploration.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNH14ZDA014O
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12257 S WADSWORTH BLVD, LITTLETON, CO, 80125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $396,532,946
Exercised Options: $396,532,946
Current Obligation: $347,817,273
Actual Outlays: $224,869,243
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 493
Total Subaward Amount: $476,235,709
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-06-14
Current End Date: 2033-04-16
Potential End Date: 2033-04-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-26
More Contracts from Lockheed Martin Corp
- Federal Contract — $48.1B (Department of Energy)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 200207!000021!5700!CZ62 !smc/Pkj LOS Angeles AFB !F0470102C0002 !A!N! !N! !20011116!20070630!872978978!196596688!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !1111 Lockheed Martin WAY !sunnyvale !ca!94089!77000!085!06!sunnyvale !santa Clara !california!+000012250000!n!n!000000000000!ar92!rdte/Space - Other - Applied Research !A2 !missile and Space Systems !3gfk!milstar !541710!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !B! !d!n!j!2!001!n!2a!z!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! — $9.0B (Department of Defense)
- Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Space Vehicle 1-3 Phase 1 — $7.3B (Department of Defense)
- Federal Contract — $7.3B (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →