Mainstream Awarded NASA Contract to Develop a Gravity-Insensitive Heat Pump for Lunar Applications

ROCKLEDGE, FL – May 30, 2006 – Mainstream Engineering Corporation, leading research, and development company specializing in advanced thermal control and energy conversion, has been awarded a contract from NASA Johnson Space Center for the design, fabrication, testing, and flight readiness assessment of a Gravity-Insensitive Heat Pump. This vapor-compression cooling system is being developed for the future lunar lander and lunar outpost applications.

The research involved in this program builds on two of Mainstream’s successful projects, oil-less compressors currently onboard the International Space Station, and solar-powered refrigerated containers currently under development for Army Natick.

The NASA contract, with options running through 2009, was placed against General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule 871 for Professional Engineering Services. GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules and Federal Supply Schedules) establish long-term government-wide contracts with pre-approved commercial firms, such as Mainstream, at pre-approved rates. An added benefit for both the government and Mainstream is the rapid time it takes to award a new contract.

Mainstream’s GSA Schedule includes mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering disciplines for the following special item numbers:

871-2 Concept Development and Requirements Analysis
871-3 System Design, Engineering and Integration
871-4 Test and Evaluation
871-5 Integrated Logistics Support

Mainstream’s GSA Contract number is GS-23F-0126S and delivery orders can be placed through GSA Advantage!®.