NASA Announces Distribution of Constellation Work

NASA Announces Distribution of Constellation Work

NASA announced Monday agency center responsibilities associated with the Constellation Program for robotic and human moon and Mars exploration. This distribution of work across NASA’s centers reflects the agency’s intention to productively use personnel, facilities and resources from across the agency to accomplish the Vision for Space Exploration.

“Our past experiences have provided the foundation to begin shaping the space exploration capabilities needed to create a sustained presence on the moon and on to Mars,” said Scott Horowitz, associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. “Our programs and projects are evolving as we develop the requirements to execute the Vision for Space Exploration. At the same time we are aligning the work that needs to be accomplished with the capabilities of our NASA centers.”

In addition to primary work assignments each center will support moon and Mars surface systems conceptual designs. Centers also support additional Constellation program and project activities. Center assignments: Ames Research Center, Moffett Field Calif., leads the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) Thermal Protection System Advanced Development Project. Ames is developing information systems to support the Constellation Program Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance Office.

Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., leads CEV Abort Flight Test integration and operations including Abort Test Booster procurement and integration with the Flight Test Article. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, leads the CEV Service Module and Spacecraft Adapter integration, providing oversight and independent analysis of the prime contractor’s development of these segments. Glenn has lead responsibility for the design and development of several crew launch vehicle (CLV) upper stage systems. Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., provides co-leadership of the Constellation Program’s System Engineering and Integration navigation team and software and avionics team.

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