Psyche: journey to a metal world this contract provides for work to be performed by the principal investigator in support of the phase a concept definition portion of the NASA discovery program 2014…

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center awarded a $93.0 million definitive contract to Arizona State University for Phase A concept definition and mission planning under the Psyche: Journey to a Metal World Discovery Program mission on November 13, 2015, with cost-no-fee pricing and performance through August 31, 2032.

The originating solicitation (NASA Discovery Program 2014 AO, issued November 5, 2014) requires Principal Investigator Dr. Linda Elkins-Tanton of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration to lead the mission team through concept study, cost estimates for Phases B through E, spacecraft development planning, and site visit preparation. Dr. James Bell serves as Deputy PI. Jet Propulsion Laboratory functions as the mission's major partner for spacecraft development and mission implementation, providing project management, systems engineering, mission design, payload development, safety and mission assurance, navigation, and mission operations support. Place of performance is Tempe, Arizona. The contract encompasses subcontracted science and engineering support from University of Arizona, University of California Los Angeles, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Smithsonian Institution, Planetary Science Institute, Southwest Research Institute, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Malin Space Science Systems.

Psyche: journey to a metal world this contract provides for work to be performed by the principal investigator in support of the phase a concept definition portion of the NASA discovery program 2014 announcement of opportunity (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) solicitation dated november 5, 2014. The mission principal investigator (PI), DR. Linda elkins-tanton, of the school of earth and space exploration at arizona state university (ASU), is responsible for the success and scientific integrity of the mission. As such, the PI shall lead the project, manage project resources, and direct all activities of the science team carried out in support of the mission. Specifically, during phase a, the PI will lead the mission team in conducting the concept study report and associated site visit. Should the mission be selected to continue into phase b, the PI will lead the team through the initiation of the phase b effort with a transition phase between notification of award and establishment of the phase b contract. The PI is assisted by a deputy PI, DR. James bell at arizona state university. Jet propulsion laboratory (JPL) is the mission major partner for spacecraft development and mission implementation, and shall support the PI with a project team experienced in management, systems engineering, mission design, payload development, safety and mission assurance, navigation, and mission operations. Specific objectives to address the phase a criteria and guidelines are: - project management for the phase a contract - conduct and support of phase a project reviews - phase b/c/d/e spacecraft development and mission planning - phase b/c/d/e cost estimates - concept study report preparation - orals/site visit support by key personnel this contract provides for work to be performed by the principal investigator in support of the phase a concept definition portion of the NASA discovery program 2014 announcement of opportunity (AO) (NNH14ZDA014O) solicitation dated november 5, 2014. The mission principal investigator (PI), DR. Linda elkins-tanton, of the school of earth and space exploration at arizona state university (ASU), is responsible for the success and scientific integrity of the mission. As such, the PI shall lead the project, manage project resources, and direct all activities of the science team carried out in support of the mission. Specifically, during phase a, the PI will lead the mission team in conducting the concept study report and associated site visit. Should the mission be selected to continue into phase b, the PI will lead the team through the initiation of the phase b effort with a transition phase between notification of award and establishment of the phase b contract. The PI is assisted by a deputy PI, DR. James bell at arizona state university. Jet propulsion laboratory (JPL) is the mission major partner for spacecraft development and mission implementation, and shall support the PI with a project team experienced in management, systems engineering, mission design, payload development, safety and mission assurance, navigation, and mission operations. Specific objectives to address the phase a criteria and guidelines are: - project management for the phase a contract - conduct and support of phase a project reviews - phase b/c/d/e spacecraft development and mission planning - phase b/c/d/e cost estimates - concept study report preparation - orals/site visit support by key personnel