Jacobs bags $3.2bn COMET contract at NASA Kennedy Space Center

NYSE-listed engineering services company Jacobs has bagged the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering & Test (COMET) contract worth around $3.2 billion at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The contract runs for 10 years, and extends the role of Jacobs in managing the launch infrastructure of Kennedy Space Center and the ground processing for NASA programs, such as programs like the Exploration Ground Systems program, International Space Station program and other crucial NASA spaceflight programs that go back to 2013.

As part of the COMET contract, Jacobs will provide engineering, processing of spacecraft or flight vehicles, ground system development, as well as launch, landing, and recovery services for NASA’s main Exploration Systems Development programs, which are Exploration Ground Systems, Space Launch System, and Orion programs.

Jacobs bags $3.2bn COMET contract at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Photo courtesy of NASA/Kim Shiflett/Wikimedia Commons.

Bob Pragada — Jacobs CEO said: “For more than 50 years, Jacobs’ commitment to safety, innovation and performance excellence has helped successfully support NASA’s mission.

“With COMET, we will continue helping NASA advance the United States’ efforts to establish a long-term human presence in deep space.”

The contract is expected to start on 1 May 2023 and will enable Jacobs to keep providing launch and ground operations support at NASA Kennedy Space Center. It also includes assistance for NASA’s Artemis program.

Besides, the COMET contract calls for supporting other NASA programs as well as commercial ventures and partnerships at Kennedy Space Center.

Steve Arnette — Jacobs EVP and Critical Mission Solutions President said: “Jacobs provided excellent support in helping NASA upgrade KSC’s heritage shuttle facilities and ground systems in preparation for the first Artemis flight.

“We will continue supporting the major NASA programs that help expand our understanding of the universe and inspire us to push the limits of human potential.”