NASA Refines Design For Crew Exploration Vehicle

NASA's Constellation Program is making progress toward selecting a
prime contractor to design, develop and build the Crew Exploration
Vehicle (CEV), America's first new human spacecraft in 30 years.

The agency has issued Phase II of a Request for Proposals. It is a
"Call for Improvements" that incorporates the results of additional
analysis and study. Phase II adds detailed design, development and
production requirements. Phase II proposals will be evaluated and
used to select a single CEV contractor later this year. Click Here For RFP Details.

The CEV is a key element of the Constellation Program, which will help
NASA realize the Vision for Space Exploration. The CEV will transport
up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station
and up to four to and from the moon. It will also support future Mars
missions.

For the first time, the Phase II Request for Proposals specifies a
configuration for the spacecraft: an improved, blunt-body crew
capsule shape. Requirements are based on future exploration mission
needs and the desire to fly the first CEV mission as close as
possible to 2010, when the space shuttle will be retired. Phase I
resulted in contract awards in July 2005 for CEV systems requirements
definition to teams led by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman
Systems Corp. Phase II proposals are due March 20, 2006.