LOCKHEED MARTIN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, LLC · MD
💵 SPENDING OPINION
THE MOSES II EFFORT IS A FIVE-YEAR SOLE-SOURCE FOLLOW-ON CONTRACT TO MAINTAIN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE HST OBSERVATORY THROUGH THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS SCIENCE MISSION. THE SCOPE OF THIS FOLLOW-ON EFFORT INCLUDES CONDUCTING ALL ELEMENTS OF HST OPERATIONS OTHER THAN SCIENCE OPERATIONS, AND TO PERFORM SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TASKS REQUIRED TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN HST FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEMS.MISSION OPERATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE SAFE AND EFFICIENT CONTROL AND UTILIZATION OF THE HST OBSERVATORY, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF HST-UNIQUE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS CREATION, MAINTENANCE, AND UTILIZATION OF HST OPERATIONS PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES. CRITICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITIES CONSIST OF OPTIMIZING MISSION SYSTEM CAPABILITIES TO MAXIMIZE HST OPERATIONS EFFECTIVENESS AND SCIENCE PRODUCTIVITY. ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE PROVIDING A TECHNICAL STAFF POSSESSING IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF HST S VARIED, COMPLEX, AND UNIQUE FLIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEMS, ENSURING SUCCESSFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE DIVERSE TASKS NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVELY CONDUCT HST MISSION OPERATIONS AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AS WELL AS TO MANAGE AND REPORT CONTRACT ELEMENT COST AND SCHEDULE PERFORMANCE.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration → $360.2M to LOCKHEED MARTIN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, LLC
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✦ WHY THIS MONEY IS BEING SPENT
WHAT IS THIS?
This is a five-year contract where NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is paying Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, LLC about $360 million to operate and maintain the HST (Hubble Space Telescope), keeping it running safely so scientists can continue using it for research.
WHY WAS THIS FUNDED?
NASA is responsible for managing the Hubble Space Telescope as part of its ongoing science mission, and this contract provides the technical workforce and systems needed to keep that mission going. The contract is described as a sole-source follow-on, meaning NASA chose Lockheed Martin directly without a competitive bid, likely because of the company's existing specialized knowledge of Hubble's unique systems.
WHAT PUBLIC PROBLEM IS IT TRYING TO SOLVE?
The Hubble Space Telescope is a one-of-a-kind scientific instrument in orbit, and without constant professional oversight it could fail or become unsafe, ending decades of astronomical discoveries that benefit science and public knowledge.
WHO BENEFITS?
Scientists around the world who rely on Hubble data for astronomical research benefit directly, as do the Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians employed under this contract. The broader public benefits from the scientific knowledge and discoveries that Hubble produces.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Because this is a sole-source contract with no competitive bidding, there is less market pressure to keep costs down, which raises questions about whether taxpayers are getting the best possible price. The 15-year contract period (2011 to 2026) also means limited opportunities to reassess performance or introduce competition.
WHAT HAPPENS IF FUNDING IS REMOVED?
If this contract were cancelled, the day-to-day operations of the Hubble Space Telescope would likely stop or be severely disrupted, potentially leaving the telescope without the technical support needed to keep it functioning safely in orbit.
ARGUMENTS FOR
- •Hubble has produced groundbreaking scientific discoveries for decades, and this contract ensures that investment continues to deliver value for science and the public.
- •Lockheed Martin's deep familiarity with Hubble's complex and unique systems makes them a logical choice to maintain operations without costly retraining or transition risks.
- •Keeping Hubble operational extends the life of a multibillion-dollar asset already in orbit, making each additional year of operation relatively cost-effective.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST
- •The sole-source nature of the contract means there was no competitive bidding, which limits the government's ability to ensure it is getting the lowest possible price for taxpayers.
- •The extremely long contract period of 15 years reduces accountability and makes it harder to course-correct if costs rise or performance falls short.
- •Some may argue that the money could be better spent on new space missions or technologies rather than maintaining an aging telescope.
✦ SPENDING TIMELINE
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