A team comprising Dynetics and Radiance Technologies team has been selected to build the core stage Pathfinder vehicle for NASA’s Space Launch System under a delivery order awarded through a potential five-year, $350 million contract vehicle.
Team technical lead Dynetics said Thursday the companies will work to fabricate, assemble and transport the core stage Pathfinder vehicle while Radiance will act as the provider of welding and assembly services.
According to Dynamics, the completed Pathfinder will weigh approximately 230, 000 pounds and measure at a 213-foot length with a 28.5-foot diameter.
“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.
NASA awarded the Pathfinder order under its Engineering Solutions and Prototyping contract vehicle awarded in 2013 to prime contractors Radiance, Teledyne Brown Engineering and Wyle Laboratories for design, development, test, evaluation, operations and training services to the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
The team will purchase materials and design the support equipment for Pathfinder based on NASA’s drawings and specification documents.
Radiance will work with Russellville, Ala.-based G&G Steel to carry out final welding and major assembly work at the latter company’s facility in Cordova.
