HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA has awarded the Radiance Technologies (Radiance) and Dynetics team a delivery order under the Engineering Solutions and Prototyping (ESP) contract to fabricate, assemble and transport the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage (CS) Pathfinder Vehicle (PV). The CS PV is a form/fit representation of the SLS Core Stage and is approximately 213 feet long and 28.5 feet in diameter, weighing approximately 230,000 pounds.
Rail-mounted cradles are utilized to support the CSPV structure during barrel-to-barrel and final assembly manufacturing.
The objective of the Pathfinder contract is to produce a low-cost simulated core stage with weight, center of gravity, outer mold line and length of the integrated core stage.
“The NASA Pathfinder SLS contract is a key win for Radiance and a prime example of our development and integration capabilities. We are proud to support NASA and will work tirelessly to help ensure overall program success,” said Tim Tinsley, Radiance’s Vice President of Integration and Prototyping.
Dynetics will serve as technical lead on the Radiance team.
The Radiance Team will utilize G&G Steel headquartered in Russellville, Ala., to perform final welding and major assembly operations in their commercial facility on the Black Warrior River in Cordova, Ala. G&G Steel brings superior steel fabrication, welding and commercial facilities ideally suited to assemble the CS PV.
The Radiance team will use NASA’s designed drawings and specification documents to procure materials and labor to manufacture, fabricate, assemble, test and deliver the CS PV. The team will also design and manufacture the support equipment (support structures) to be used by NASA for storage of the CS PV.
The CSPV will be manufactured in North Alabama within 100 miles of Marshall Space Flight Center. The Dynetics team will use a low-risk, cost effective barge to transport the CSPV to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La.
G&G Steel’s Black Warrior River facility has a built-in barge slip that allows for covered, direct transfer of the CSPV from the final assembly area to the transportation barge.
“It is a privilege to work with Radiance on this critical project for NASA to help ensure the success of the nation’s future heavy lift rocket,” said David King, Dynetics CEO. “As NASA’s industry partners, we’re prepared to take on the challenge and appreciate NASA’s confidence in our ability to do so.”
“We are thrilled to win this award alongside our team member, Dynetics. We look forward to a successful partnership and a growing relationship with our customer NASA,” said Bill Bailey, President of Radiance Technologies.
The ESP contract enables three companies selected in 2013 to compete for task orders to provide engineering solutions and products for design, development, test, evaluation, operations and training in support of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) flight projects. Pathfinder is one of those projects.
The ESP contract is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, worth up to $350 million over five years.
Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned small business headquartered in Huntsville, Ala. Radiance has 12 corporate facilities and 15 project offices across 14 states and two foreign countries serving the Department of Defense, NASA, and national intelligence agencies. From concepts to capabilities, Radiance leads the way in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cyber solutions, systems engineering, prototyping and integration as well as operational and strategic intelligence including scientific and technical intelligence. More information can be found at radiancetech.com.
Dynetics provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions to the national security, cybersecurity, satellite, launch, automotive and critical infrastructure sectors. Our portfolio features highly specialized technical services and a range of software and hardware products, including components, subsystems and complex end-to-end systems. The company of 1,400+ employee/owners is based in Huntsville, Ala., and has offices throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.dynetics.com.