May 16 2006
SpaceDev has received notification that it was selected as a finalist for the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration. COTS is a bold new NASA initiative designed to stimulate the commercial delivery of cargo and crew transportation to the International Space Station. More than 20 of the nation’s leading private spaceflight companies submitted proposals to compete in four specific service areas: external unpressurized cargo delivery and disposal; internal pressurized cargo delivery and disposal; internal pressurized cargo delivery, return and recovery; and, crew transportation. NASA plans to spend $500 million on this program through 2010.
Mark N. Sirangelo, SpaceDev’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, commented, “Our employees, project team members, and subcontractors are thrilled that we have been chosen as a finalist for this opportunity. We continue to demonstrate the viability of our approach for safe, rapid, affordable and advanced space services to NASA. The most innovative space companies in the United States competed for this program; and, after a very thorough and detailed evaluation, SpaceDev’s commercial and technical approach was selected as one of the six finalists. We express our appreciation to NASA and all those who participated in this evaluation process; and, for giving SpaceDev, the platform to prove how our innovative business model and practical technology can advance and supplement NASA’s exciting programs now and in the future.”
NASA indicated that it will continue with the next phase of their evaluation of the finalist companies over the next several months. Concurrently, NASA will begin negotiations for a possible implementation of a Space Act Agreement by September.
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