WHAT IS THIS?

This is a long-term contract between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International to support spacewalk operations outside the International Space Station. The company will provide equipment, maintenance, and support services related to the suits and systems astronauts use when working in the vacuum of space.

WHY WAS THIS FUNDED?

NASA has an ongoing mission to operate the International Space Station and conduct human spaceflight, which requires regular spacewalks to maintain and upgrade the station. This contract provides the specialized support needed to keep that equipment safe and functional over many years.

WHAT PUBLIC PROBLEM IS IT TRYING TO SOLVE?

Astronauts need reliable, well-maintained equipment to safely work outside spacecraft in the harsh environment of space. Without proper support for spacewalk systems, critical maintenance on the International Space Station could not be performed, putting missions and crew safety at risk.

WHO BENEFITS?

Engineers, technicians, and workers at Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International in Texas benefit through jobs tied to this contract. More broadly, NASA astronauts and the U.S. human spaceflight program benefit from reliable equipment and support services.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Because the contract spans nearly 17 years and is worth $1.4 billion, there is a risk of limited competition and reduced pressure to control costs over time. The contract type is listed as unknown, which makes it harder to assess whether taxpayers are protected against cost overruns.

WHAT HAPPENS IF FUNDING IS REMOVED?

If this contract were cancelled, NASA could lose the specialized support needed to maintain spacewalk equipment, potentially grounding astronauts from performing extravehicular activities. Critical repairs and upgrades to the International Space Station that require spacewalks could be delayed or halted.

ARGUMENTS FOR

• •Spacewalk equipment is highly specialized and life-critical, so a long-term dedicated contract helps ensure consistent safety and reliability for astronauts.
• •Maintaining one experienced contractor over many years builds deep expertise that would be hard to replace quickly in an emergency.
• •The contract supports skilled aerospace jobs in the United States and helps preserve domestic expertise in human spaceflight technology.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST

• •A 17-year contract with a single company limits competition, which can reduce incentives to innovate or keep costs low for taxpayers.
• •The contract type is unknown, making it difficult for the public to know whether cost increases are capped or whether the government could end up paying more than $1.4 billion.
• •Some critics argue that long-duration sole-source or limited-competition contracts in aerospace can lead to cost growth and reduced accountability over time.