Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Nov. 14, 2024
NASA Johnson Seeks Proposals for Historic Vibration Test Facility Lease
The Johnson Space Center of NASA is currently inviting proposals to utilize its Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility, a valuable historic asset that has not seen regular use in recent times. Interested parties must submit requests for facility walkthroughs by Monday, Nov. 18.
Final proposals need to be submitted by 12 p.m. EST on Monday, Dec. 16. Submissions should aim to enhance aerospace-related operations at NASA Johnson while also contributing to the preservation of this iconic facility through adaptive reuse and modernization efforts.
Nasa plans to establish a lease agreement under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for the facility—referred to as Building 49—for an initial five-year term, with the potential for a five-year extension to be negotiated with the successful tenant. To arrange for a walkthrough, interested parties can contact NASA via email at hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov.
“This historic facility has played a crucial role for decades in ensuring the success and safety of human spaceflight missions by rigorously testing engineering designs and hardware,” stated Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA Johnson. “For over 60 years, we have been at the forefront of human space exploration, and this leasing initiative is fundamental to our commitment to fostering a thriving space economy that deepens our insights into the solar system.”
All proposals must align with the specific requirements outlined in the Agency Announcement for Proposals. These include submitting development concept plans, financial capability statements, past experience in aerospace-related activities, and comprehensive strategies to enhance the space economy.
The facility features a total area of 62,737 square feet, comprising a north wing that is 62 feet long, 268 feet wide, and 106 feet tall, along with a central wing that measures approximately 64 feet long by 115 feet wide. Currently, Building 49 includes five specialized laboratories: the General Vibration Laboratory, Modal Operations Laboratory, Sonic Fatigue Laboratory, Spacecraft Acoustic Laboratory, and Spacecraft Vibration Laboratory. Note that the southern administrative section of the building is excluded from the lease offer.
NASA Johnson Space Center, known for its vital role in human space missions including Mission Control, astronaut training, and robotics, continues to be a leader in the field of human exploration. The center is pursuing multiple leasing agreements, such as the recently unveiled Exploration Park, to further support its mission and solidify its position within the burgeoning space community.
Looking ahead, NASA and its collaborative partners in academic and commercial sectors are poised to witness significant advancements, including the conclusion of the International Space Station Program, the commercialization of low Earth orbit, and the first Artemis missions aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, paving the way for future explorations to Mars.
With a focus on expanding commercial activities, Johnson is at the forefront of the space industry’s evolution through initiatives like the commercial cargo and crew programs, as well as facilitating private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. The center is also contributing to the development of commercial space stations and lunar-ready systems, which will serve both NASA and commercial interests to enhance human access to space. The establishment of Exploration Park represents an effort to broaden the community involved in addressing the complex challenges that lie ahead in human spaceflight.
For more information on NASA Johnson’s industry collaboration initiatives, please visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/frontdoor
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Source
www.nasa.gov