Tab 04 4 Statement of Work Rev

Statement of Work
Compatibility and Commissioning Support for the EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope (EXCITE) Balloon Mission Gondola System

26 October 2026

Summary:
The vendor shall provide compatibility support and in-flight commissioning support for the 2026/2027 science flight of the EXoplanet Climate Infrared TElescope (EXCITE) balloon mission. Support shall include verifying gondola flight readiness, communications between the EXCITE gondola and ground systems via all telemetry links, and communications between the EXCITE science instrument and the gondola system. In-flight commissioning shall include tuning of the EXCITE pointing system on reference targets and, if applicable, science targets.
Technical Requirements:
EXCITE compatibility and commissioning support:
• Shall verify all telemetry links between the gondola and ground systems, including Starlink, Iridium, and TDRSS.
• Shall verify gondola flight readiness, including a demonstration of laboratory pointing and functionality of all required systems, including all motors, mechanisms, control loops, and sensors.
• Shall include tuning of the pointing system in flight, using both stable reference stars and if applicable, science targets.
• Shall include in-person field support at NASA long duration balloon facilities for science flight compatibility, launch, and commissioning. Additional requirements:
The vendor shall have personnel approved for travel to McMurdo Station, Antarctica for the FY27 summer season. The vendor shall be capable of operating the EXCITE gondola, including detailed knowledge of all mechanical, electrical, and software systems and interfaces.
Period of Performance:
11/20/2026 - 12/31/2027