NASA Chooses MacLean Engineering for Simulation and Software Services Contract

On July 2, 2025, NASA announced the awarding of a crucial contract to MacLean Engineering & Applied Technologies, LLC based in Houston. This contract, known as the Simulation and Advanced Software Services II (SASS II), will facilitate NASA's capabilities in simulation and software development crucial for a variety of space missions. The contract will be effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, with a total potential value not exceeding $150 million.

This SASS II contract is a single-award agreement under which MacLean Engineering will offer a range of simulation and software services. This includes the development and modeling of space-based vehicles and robotic systems, human biomechanical representations, and the guidance, navigation, and control mechanisms for various flight phases of spacecraft. Furthermore, the responsibilities will extend to producing simulations of onboard computer systems as well as analyzing how space-based vehicles interact with astronomical bodies.

A specific area of focus within the SASS II contract is the provision of training support systems that help prepare astronauts and mission specialists for real-life scenarios they may face during space missions. This involves creating ground-based and onboard systems to assist in human-in-the-loop training, ensuring that personnel are well-acquainted with the operational protocols and potential scenarios they could encounter in space.

In addition to MacLean Engineering, several key subcontractors will also play pivotal roles in the execution of this contract. Notably, Tietronix Software Inc. from Houston and VEDO Systems, LLC located in League City, Texas will collaborate to deliver the necessary software support to meet NASA's requirements.

The significance of this contract is not just in terms of financial value, but it demonstrates NASA's commitment to advancing its technical capabilities in simulation and software services. These advancements are crucial for supporting NASA’s broad array of missions that may include future missions to Mars, robotic explorations of other planets, or even ambitious lunar projects.

NASA continues to explore partnerships with innovative companies in the engineering and technology space, capitalizing on external expertise to complement its internal capabilities. The SASS II contract represents a substantial investment in ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of space technology and engineering,

As NASA gears up for a new era of space exploration, the collaboration with MacLean Engineering affirms the agency's ongoing strategy of leveraging specialized services to meet its mission objectives. Through this partnership, NASA is poised to ensure that it continues producing safe and effective missions that push the boundaries of human exploration and scientific discovery.

To learn more about NASA and its various programs, you can visit NASA's official website.