Ahead of Artemis 2, V2X Awarded $265 Million Contract to Support NASA Astronauts Going to Space

Rhea-AI Summary

V2X has secured a $265 million contract to support NASA's Johnson Space Center, focusing on the Sonny Carter Training Facility and its Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). This contract, extending to 2033, includes maintaining hardware and software systems critical for astronaut training. The NBL is integral to the upcoming Artemis 2 mission set for September 2025, marking a historic lunar mission with the first woman and person of color to visit the moon. V2X will assist in technical support, ensuring the readiness of equipment and software for these important missions. The NBL simulates spacewalks and recovery missions and has recently been upgraded to include a model of the moon's surface.

Positive

• V2X secured a $265 million contract with NASA, ensuring long-term revenue until 2033.
• Support for Artemis 2 mission, a high-profile project, enhancing V2X's reputation.
• Upgraded NBL facility, showcasing V2X's innovative capabilities.
• Partnership with NASA, reinforcing V2X's position in the aerospace market.

Negative

• High dependence on a single contract with potential risks if the project faces delays or budget cuts.

Insights

Financial Analyst

V2X's $265 million contract award to maintain operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center is a significant development for the company. Securing such a high-value, long-term contract (extending until 2033) provides V2X with a stable revenue stream and enhances its financial stability. The extended period of performance, including option periods, highlights the trust and reliance NASA places on V2X's expertise. This consistency is particularly appealing to long-term investors as it mitigates some of the uncertainties associated with other, shorter-term contracts. Additionally, the association with a high-profile project like Artemis 2 further elevates V2X's reputation in the aerospace and defense sectors. It's important to note that while this contract boosts V2X's profile and financial outlook, investors should monitor execution risks such as technical challenges and operational delays, which could impact profitability and margins. However, the strategic alignment with NASA positions V2X favorably within a niche market, potentially attracting more high-value contracts in the future. 1

Aerospace Engineer

This contract positions V2X as a key player in human spaceflight training, which involves sophisticated technologies and systems integration. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts practice missions in a simulated weightless environment, is critical for mission success. The ability to maintain and enhance such a facility showcases V2X's technical capabilities. The mention of upgrades, including a replica of the moon's surface, indicates V2X's commitment to cutting-edge innovation and realistic training environments. For NASA, this ensures that astronauts are thoroughly prepared for the unique challenges of the Artemis 2 mission, including landing near the moon's south pole, an area with extreme environmental conditions. This aspect further cements V2X's role in advancing space travel, possibly leading to further opportunities in space exploration and associated technologies. 1

Market Research Analyst

V2X's involvement in the Artemis 2 mission places the company at the forefront of one of the most ambitious space programs in recent history. The Artemis missions, aiming to return humans to the moon and potentially pave the way for Mars exploration, are likely to capture significant public and investor interest. Being associated with such high-profile projects not only boosts V2X's brand visibility but also its competitive positioning in the aerospace sector. The contract underscores V2X’s role in critical national endeavors, which can improve market perceptions and investor confidence. As interest in space exploration grows, so does the potential for increased funding and investments in companies like V2X, aligning them with future growth trajectories in space-related technologies and missions. 1

MCLEAN, Va., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has been awarded a $265 million contract to maintain safe operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, specifically at the Sonny Carter Training Facility, where astronauts receive crucial training to prepare for human spaceflight missions. V2X will deliver technical support to ensure the reliability of the integrated hardware and software systems utilized at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The contract's period of performance extends until 2033, including option periods.

The NBL will serve as a training ground for NASA's upcoming Artemis 2 mission, scheduled to launch in September 2025. The Artemis 2 missions will include the historic journey of the first woman and person of color to visit the moon, marking humanity's return to the lunar surface after more than fifty years. The crew will land near the moon's south pole, a region characterized by immense craters, extreme temperatures, and areas of permanent darkness, thus requiring extensive and meticulous preparation.

"We are honored to continue our partnership with NASA and support their mission to explore the frontiers of space," said Jeremy Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. "The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is an unparalleled facility, and we are committed to ensuring its readiness for the next generation of space exploration, including the groundbreaking Artemis 2 mission."

At the NBL astronauts rehearse recovery missions, which are vital for the final stage of spaceflight when the crew's capsule returns to Earth and splashes down into the ocean. Additionally, the laboratory houses a replica of the International Space Station, where astronauts practice working in microgravity, simulating the reduced gravity experienced in space. Recently, NASA and V2X have upgraded the NBL by converting a section into a realistic model of the moon's surface.

As a critical asset for NASA, the NBL operates continuously to support the dynamic demands of human spaceflight.  For over 30 years, it has been instrumental in training astronauts for space exploration, providing a realistic environment for practicing spacewalks and recovery missions.

About V2X

V2X delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across defense and commercial training, operations and logistics, aerospace, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 16,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes 
Director, Corporate Communications  
Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 
571-338-5195

Investor Contact
Mike Smith, CFA 
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations 
IR@goV2X.com 
719-637-5773

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SOURCE V2X, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of the V2X contract with NASA?

The V2X contract with NASA is valued at $265 million.

When does the V2X NASA contract end?

The V2X NASA contract extends until 2033, including option periods.

What is the importance of the Artemis 2 mission?

The Artemis 2 mission, scheduled for September 2025, will include the first woman and person of color to visit the moon.

How does the V2X contract impact the Artemis 2 mission?

V2X will provide technical support to the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, essential for training astronauts for the Artemis 2 mission.

What is the role of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory?

The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is used for astronaut training, simulating spacewalks and recovery missions, and now includes a model of the moon's surface.