Programs and Projects (P&P) Services for NASA Ames Research Center

Orbital TSD has been a major provider of support services at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) since 1995. Currently, Orbital provides these services under the Programs and Projects (P&P) Services contract, which has a potential duration through 05/31/12. Work currently supported by TSD staff on the P&P contract involves four principal support tasks:

1) Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) — SOFIA is a joint project of NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR).  A 2.5-meter diameter telescope mounted in a modified Boeing 747SP will perform astronomical observations at 35,000 to 45,000 feet, above the water vapor that obscures the infrared view of ground-based telescopes. The first flight tests of the modified aircraft are scheduled to occur in 2006, with planned operational deployment of the aircraft slated to occur in 2007.  TSD employees have provided technical support to NASA's SOFIA Project Office since August 1995.

2) Kepler — Kepler is a NASA Discovery Mission designed to find Earth-sized planets around stars similar to our own Sun.  Kepler is currently slated for launch in 2008.  TSD's support for the Kepler project falls into three categories:

Ground Segment Systems Engineering. TSD staff is defining the architecture, integrating and testing the Kepler ground system, and developing and testing the Mission Operations that will command the spacecraft once it is in orbit.  TSD Systems Engineers also support Ground Segment Management, creating and maintaining Ground Segment schedules and writing Ground Segment Development Plans.

Ground Segment Software Development. TSD staff perform full life cycle software development for the Kepler Science Operations Center (SOC), the facility that will process the Kepler Science data.  This includes project management, defining requirements, software design and development, integration and test, and development of operational procedures. Additionally, TSD Staff perform SOC facility development, hardware procurement, and facility operations.

Business Management. TSD staff also provides financial, schedule management and administrative support for many aspects of the Kepler project.

3) Airspace Systems Program (ASP) — TSD staff support ASP through systems studies and other analyses to enable major increases in mobility and capacity in the air transportation system.  ASP’s objectives are to maximize the movement of aircraft through the system while maintaining safety, security, and environmental protection.  The program also develops, models, and stimulates new concepts of operation to accommodate current and future vehicle systems. TSD staff provide support to the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) in the development of a coordinated National Plan for the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

4)  NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) — TSD staff supports a variety of NAI activities from funding and budget issues, to the yearly reporting ARC’s research and efforts, and acting as a liaison between ARC and Universities to administer and fund cooperative agreements.  In addition, as part of ARC’s Education and Public Outreach (EPO) program, TSD staff is providing content and graphics to Yellowstone National Park to support new Wayside Signs for their trails and previously provided content, and graphic images to the California Academy of Sciences to support their Astrobiology museum exhibits.

For more information, please contact Tenise Young at (650) 604-4916.