From Newsgroup: sci.space.news


June 23, 2016

CONTRACT RELEASE C16-016

NASA Extends Hubble Space Telescope Science Operations Contract

NASA is contractually extending science operations for its Hubble Space Telescope an additional five years. The agency awarded a sole source contract extension Thursday to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy for continued Hubble science operations support at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

This action will extend the period of performance from July 1 through June
30, 2021. The contract value will increase by approximately $196.3 million
for a total contract value of $2.03 billion.

This contract extension covers the work necessary to continue the science program of the Hubble mission by the Space Telescope Science Institute. The support includes the products and services required to execute science system engineering, science ground system development, science operations, science research, grants management and public outreach support for Hubble and data archive support for missions in the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes.

After the final space shuttle servicing mission to the telescope in 2009, Hubble is better than ever. Hubble is expected to continue to provide
valuable data into the 2020's, securing its place in history as an
outstanding general purpose observatory in areas ranging from our solar
system to the distant universe.

In 2018, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will be launched into space as
the premier observatory of the next decade, serving astronomers worldwide to build on Hubble's legacy of discoveries and help unlock some of the biggest mysteries of the universe.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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