NASA AWards $8 Billion Contract to Lockheed Martin to Build Next Space Exploration Vehicle

Udall says contract will be a boon to Colorado’s space economy

Westminster, CO—Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs), ranking member on the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, released the followings statement regarding NASA’s announcement that it is granting Lockheed Martin the first major contract to design and build the next crew exploration vehicle:

“I am pleased that NASA has selected Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor for the new space exploration vehicle. The initial $8 billion contract will allow Lockheed Martin to design and build the new Orion capsule, which will replace the space shuttle fleet and will be capable of transporting four crewmembers for lunar missions, Mars missions, and missions to and from the International Space Station.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Colorado. This contract will create at least 300 high-paying engineering jobs in the Denver area and will be a boon to Colorado’s aerospace industry, which is third in the nation, and will further our state’s important role in the nation’s space program.”