ITT to run Deep Space Network

National Aeronautic and Space Administration

ITT Industries Inc. of White Plains, N.Y., received a $274 million contract to handle operations and maintenance of NASA's Deep Space Network facilities in the United States.

The five-year deal includes provisions that could extend the contract by five years and increase the contract's value by an additional $306 million.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages the Deep Space Network, an international system of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and Earth-orbiting satellites.

"The Deep Space Network is a critical element in achieving NASA's mission," said Gene Tattini, the laboratory's deputy director.

In addition to providing support for the Goldstone Deep Space Network Communications Complex in California, ITT will support overseas facilities in Madrid, Spain, and Canberra, Australia.

Transition planning for the contract begins Oct. 1, with full responsibility for operations beginning Jan. 1, 2004.