NASA Awards Contract
For Ares I Mobile Launcher
(8 May 2008) NASA's Kennedy Space
Center has awarded a contract to Hensel Phelps of Orlando, Fla., for the
construction of the Ares I mobile launcher for the Constellation
Program.
Ares I is the rocket that will transport the Orion crew
exploration vehicle, its crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. The contract
includes an option for an additional Ares I mobile launcher. It is a firm
fixed-price contract with a value of US$ 263,735,000, if all options are
exercised.
The mobile launcher will support the Ares I and the vehicle's
associated ground support equipment. It will be used in the assembly, testing
and servicing of the Ares I at existing Kennedy facilities. The mobile launcher
will transport the Ares I rocket to the launch pad and provide ground support
for launches. The mobile launcher consists of the main support structure that
comprises the base, tower and facility ground support systems, which include
power, communications, conditioned air, water for cooling, wash-down, and
ignition over-pressure protection.
Hensel Phelps will supply all labour,
materials and equipment necessary for construction of the Ares I mobile
launcher. Ground support equipment, such as umbilicals, propellant and gases,
instrumentation, controls and communications, necessary to support the Ares I
rocket will be provided and installed under a separate contract or
contracts.
The tower of the mobile launcher will have multiple platforms
for personnel access and will be approximately 390 feet tall. Construction will
take place at the mobile launcher park site area located north of Kennedy's
Vehicle Assembly Building at the space centre in Florida.
(source:
NASA)
