NASA Awards Spaceflight Operations, Systems Organization Contract

NASA has awarded ASCEND Aerospace & Technology a $1.8 billion contract to provide spaceflight operations and systems services at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The COSMOS contract, which begins on December 1, 2026, will support NASA’s Flight Operation Directorate for programs including Orion, SLS, ISS, Commercial Crew, and Artemis.
Services under the contract include Mission Control Center systems, training systems, mockup environments, and training for astronauts, instructors, and flight controllers.
The contract has two option periods that could extend until 2034, making it a long-term partnership between NASA and ASCEND Aerospace & Technology.
The joint venture partners on the contract are The Aerodyne Company of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Jacobs Technology Company of Tullahoma, Tennessee.

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Credit: NASA

NASA has awarded ASCEND Aerospace & Technology of Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Contract for Organizing Spaceflight Mission Operations and Systems (COSMOS), to provide services at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The COSMOS is a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract valued at $1.8 billion that begins its five-year base period no earlier than Dec. 1, with two option periods that could extend until 2034. The Aerodyne Company of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Jacobs Technology Company of Tullahoma, Tennessee, are joint venture partners.

Work performed under the contract will support NASA’s Flight Operation Directorate including the Orion and Space Launch System Programs, the International Space Station, Commercial Crew Program, and the Artemis campaign. Services include Mission Control Center systems, training systems, mockup environments, and training for astronauts, instructors, and flight controllers.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

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Tiernan Doyle
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov

Chelsey Ballarte
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov

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Last Updated

Aug 28, 2025

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Q. Who has been awarded the Contract for Organizing Spaceflight Mission Operations and Systems (COSMOS) by NASA?

A. ASCEND Aerospace & Technology of Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Q. What is the value of the COSMOS contract?

A. The contract is valued at $1.8 billion.

Q. When does the five-year base period of the COSMOS contract begin?

A. The five-year base period begins no earlier than December 1.

Q. Who are the joint venture partners for the COSMOS contract?

A. The Aerodyne Company of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Jacobs Technology Company of Tullahoma, Tennessee.

Q. What services will be provided under the COSMOS contract?

A. Services include Mission Control Center systems, training systems, mockup environments, and training for astronauts, instructors, and flight controllers.

Q. Which NASA programs will benefit from the COSMOS contract?

A. The Orion and Space Launch System Programs, the International Space Station, Commercial Crew Program, and the Artemis campaign.

Q. What is the duration of the option periods for the COSMOS contract?

A. The two option periods could extend until 2034.

Q. Where will the work performed under the COSMOS contract be done?

A. At the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Q. Who can contact NASA for more information about this contract?

A. Contact Tiernan Doyle at NASA Headquarters (202-358-1600) or Chelsey Ballarte at the Johnson Space Center (281-483-5111).

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