TechnologyBrief
NASA awards six transportation orders as Quantum outlines Arrow team role
In a paid company press release, Quantum Space says it expects about 25% of the Arrow-led team award, with subcontract terms still being finalized.
The numbers
- NASA VADR orders announced for lunar transportation
- 6 task orders
- Approximate combined value of the six announced NASA VADR task orders
- 1.3 USD billion
- Maximum total VADR value across contracts
- 5 USD billion
- NASA award to an Arrow-led team, as described by Quantum Space
- 185 USD million
- Quantum’s approximate expected portion of the Arrow-led team contract value
- 25 %
NASA awarded six lunar transportation task orders with a combined value of about $1.3 billion to three companies, the agency announced November 7.
The awards to Blue Origin, Impulse Space and Arrow Science and Technology fall under NASA’s VADR launch services framework, which has a 10-year maximum of $5 billion across its contracts. The ceiling covers the framework; it is separate from the value of the six orders.
Quantum Space said in a paid company press release that it is part of an Arrow-led team selected for a $185 million NASA award under VADR. Quantum expects to work as Arrow’s subcontractor and says its portion is about 25% of the team contract’s value. The companies are still finalizing their agreement’s terms.
Quantum says its Ranger orbital-transfer vehicle is intended to carry two CAPSTONE-2 spacecraft to lunar orbit for the mission. In the same release, Quantum disclosed that Ranger remains under development; the company has not manufactured, operated or sold it.
What we don't know yet
- What final subcontract terms will Arrow and Quantum agree upon?
- When will Quantum complete development of Ranger for its intended mission?
Timeline
NASA announced six VADR task orders and their approximate combined value.
Quantum Space described its prospective role on an Arrow-led team in a paid company release.