NASA Extends Astronaut Training Contract

Houston -- The U.S. space agency has awarded a $78 million contract extension to support astronaut training facilities and operations.

The contract, awarded to the Raytheon Technical Services Co. of Webster, Texas, involves operations and facilities at the Johnson Space Center and Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the contract extension will prevent a lapse in spaceflight training services at the facilities.

The original contract was awarded to Raytheon in February 2003. Its current value is $111 million, but with the extension it is valued at $57 million, with one pre-priced option valued at $21 million, and a one-year period of performance, NASA said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.