NASA adds telecom support

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin Space Operations in Houston an additional $25 million for telecommunications support services on a broader communications contract, bringing its total value to $2.1 billion, according to an agency news release.

In 1999, Lockheed began working with a team of more than 40 subcontractors on the Consolidated Space Operations Contract (CSOC), a program to consolidate and commercialize the agency's ground and space communications networks.

This new award will support the NASA Integrated Service Network through tasks such as procurement, installation, operation and maintenance of telecom services including video and voice teleconferencing systems and facsimile setups.

Lockheed is expected to perform those jobs primarily at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., through Dec. 31, 2003.