Overview
Since the beginning of the Space Age, Boeing has designed, developed, built, and operated human and robotic space vehicles as well as supporting hardware. The organization's legacy began in the late 1950s with the X-15 spanning to Apollo and continuing with the space shuttle and International Space Station.
Boeing NASA Systems is the leading global supplier of reusable and human space systems and services. In addition to its headquarters, NASA Systems' Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) programs are headquartered in Houston. Additionally, Boeing Houston employees provide engineering, software development, advanced research and light manufacturing supporting NASA.
NASA Systems' facilities in Huntington Beach, Calif., provide design support for space shuttle development and improvements and the Vision for Space Exploration. At Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla., NASA Systems supports CAPPS payload-processing activities and space shuttle Orbiter Major Modifications. In Huntsville, Ala., the organization performs sustaining engineering/advanced studies and provides technology growth for NASA and the U.S. Army. Some orbiter parts manufacturing and space shuttle supply functions are done in Palmdale, Calif.
Key programs include:
- Space shuttle: America's space shuttle is the world's only operational, reusable launch vehicle capable of supporting human space flight mission requirements. Boeing is the major subcontractor to NASA's space flight operations contractor, United Space Alliance. As the original developer and manufacturer of the space shuttle orbiter, Boeing is responsible for orbiter engineering, major modification design, engineering support to operations, including launch, and overall shuttle systems and payload integration services. In addition, Boeing supports the development of upgrades to the shuttle fleet to ensure America safe, reliable and affordable human-rated space access.
- International Space Station (ISS): As the prime contractor, Boeing is responsible for design, development, construction and integration of the ISS and assisting NASA in operating the orbital outpost. Boeing built all of the major U.S. elements. NASA Systems is also responsible for integrating the systems, procedures, and components of 16 participating countries in this worldwide enterprise.
- Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS): The Boeing Company holds NASA's CAPPS contract, which provides payload processing for the Space Shuttle, ISS, expendable launch vehicles and other payload programs at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Boeing employees provide technical, facilities and engineering support.
- Space Exploration Systems: Boeing's SES office, located in Washington, D.C., is helping NASA implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program. Boeing is working with NASA and industry to propose and study a wide variety of exploration concepts and approaches to meet the Vision for Space Exploration, which includes a return to the moon by 2020 and beyond. Boeing and Northrop Grumman will compete as a team for NASA's new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and related human lunar exploration systems. NASA is expected to downselect to a single team for the CEV in early 2006.
- Future Systems: The Boeing Company is working with NASA to outline a path from expendable to next-generation Reusable Launch Vehicles. Boeing is helping to define the robotic Mars Exploration Program, which will culminate in sample return missions beginning in 2013.