This procurement is the next step in the Consolidated Space Operations Contract (CSOC) commercialization efforts to provide space operations services with sustained customer service at the lowest cost to NASA and other government users through commercial providers and processes.

The award to DataLynx is for a base period that goes through December 2003 with five one-year options. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, other than the DataLynx offer was fixed price on a per pass basis. DataLynx will be investing in a new satellite ground station in the Poker Flat, Alaska area in support of its subcontract with Lockheed Martin.

In announcing the selection, Dr. Doug Tighe, Lockheed Martin's Program Manager for CSOC and Source Selection Authority noted that AlliedSignal's DataLynx commercial satellite command, control and communications network was already focused on cost reductions in space/ground link data services. "We are pleased that AlliedSignal will use its DataLynx network to provide long- term support to the EOS as a major part of the NASA Earth Science Enterprise Program," said Tighe. "With over 40 years of experience and technical achievement as a premier provider of satellite services, we are confident AlliedSignal will provide the support needed to guarantee Mission Success for CSOC and NASA."

Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) missions operate numerous instruments on multiple spacecraft placed in polar orbits. Comprehensive measurements taken by on-board instruments will measure climate-related factors allowing scientists to access long-term change, identify causes and advance the development of models for long-term environmental forecasting.

Specifically, DataLynx will be responsible to CSOC for systems engineering, mission testing, tracking and data acquisition support, operations coordination and scheduling, launch and early orbit support, routine on-orbit support and data handling and storage.

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A Titan IVB carrying a Defense Support Program satellite lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 April 9; however, the DSP satellite failed to reach its intended geosynchronous orbit and the Air Force initiated an investigation into the mishap.