More Money for Stick Development

NASA Extends Ares I Development Contract, NASA MSFC

“This Ares I first stage contract action will increase a first stage task under an existing shuttle contract by $48 million for a total work effort valued at $111 million. These activities are a preparatory effort leading up to the Ares I first stage prime contract, which will be awarded in the February 2007 timeframe.”

Editor’s note: usually when you “extend” a contract it involves adding more time to the time period under which work is performed – as well as more money to pay for that work. NASA only mentions the addition of money in this press release thus giving the impression that this is simply cost coverage – not contract extension.