NASA extends Hubble space telescope science operations contract

(PhysOrg.com)—NASA has exercised an option to extend the period of performance of the contract with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy for the Hubble Space Telescope Science Operations Center located at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

This action will extend the period of performance for 36 months through April 30, 2013, and it has a total estimated value of approximately $113 million.

The contractor will continue to be responsible for providing the products and services required to execute the science program; process, archive and distribute science data; maintain and calibrate the telescope's onboard instruments; maintain science operations' ground systems; administer grants, perform public and educational outreach; and conduct astronomical research during the remaining years of the Hubble science mission.