SpaceDev to Produce Gear Boxes for NASA Mars Science Laboratory
Twelfth Mars Mission for SpaceDev
SpaceDev, Inc. (OTC BB:SPDV.OB – News) announced today that it was awarded a subcontract in support of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), a key part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. MSL is scheduled for launch to Mars in late 2009 to determine if Mars maintains an environment able to sustain microbial life.
The subcontract is for the design, development and delivery of various SpaceDev gearbox subsystems used on the rover’s sample acquisition system, which will be used to acquire, process, and deliver soil samples from the Martian surface. This is SpaceDev’s second program it is supporting on MSL. Last year, SpaceDev was awarded a subcontract for the design, development and delivery of the MSL descent brake system.
“We are excited to engage with JPL on this important program. We provided the gearboxes on the Spirit and Opportunity rovers that have been exploring the Martian surface for nearly four years. This program will build on the experience from that highly successful program,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, SpaceDev’s Chairman and CEO. “Being part of these historic missions is a privilege. Our team is ready to design and deliver this hardware and looks forward to working with JPL on another Mars Exploration program.”
About SpaceDev
SpaceDev, Inc. is a space technology/aerospace company that creates and sells affordable and innovative space products and mission solutions. For more information, visit www.spacedev.com.
Except for factual statements made herein, this news release consists of forward-looking statements that involve risks that are difficult to predict. Words such as “believe,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates” and variations thereof, identify forward-looking statements, although their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, and are not guarantees of performance. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from its current expectations. Factors that could contribute to such differences include risks associated with the Company’s ability to effectively manage customer orders, control costs, and obtain additional financing. Reference is also made to other factors described in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. SpaceDev does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
