NASA’s Deep Space Network supports missions to explore the solar system and the universe, as well as certain Earth-orbiting missions, Exelis said Wednesday.
The agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Goldstone, Calif. awarded the subcontract, which contains five base years and options for another five years.
“This award extends Exelis support of NASA’s critical communications networks over the past 25 years, ” said Pamela Drew, president of Exelis’ information systems business.
JPL intends for Exelis to support Voyagers 1 and 2, Mars Exploration Rover Project, Curiosity and the Cassini Saturn space missions that perform radio, radar and astronomical research.
Exelis will operate 10 antennas comprising of test, logistics and maintenance sites; communication systems; and a public relations center.
The company’s support services will cover security systems, a power generation plant and an environmental protection program at JPL’s deep space communications facility in Goldstone.
Work will also take place at DSN sites in Madrid and Canberra, Australia.
