Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was selected by NASA as one of the five contractors for the Modular Space Vehicles (MSV) program.

NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., acted as the contracting agent for the Department of Defense's Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program and announced the award of the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity cost-plus fixed-fee multi-award contract, with a five-year period of performance on Nov. 10, 2010.

"We are very pleased to have this opportunity to work with Ames Research Center again and build on our recent mutual successes on the LCROSS mission," said Steve Hixson, vice president of Advanced Concepts-Space and Directed Energy Systems, Advanced Programs and Technology Division of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

"Northrop Grumman is also eager to support ORS and their vision of providing assured space power focused on timely satisfaction of Joint Force Commanders' needs."

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will perform under initial task orders valued at $46 million in support of the ORS Office located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

The company also received a task order to build a multi-mission spacecraft bus employing a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) and using Plug-n-Play technology to allow for rapid manufacturing, integration and test.

This approach and technology will provide innovative, affordable and expedient solutions to the U.S. Combatant Commanders and opens new markets to additional customers.