What you need to know
The Houston-based company will use the facility to develop food, nutrition and packaging systems for astronauts, said Simon Shewmaker, head of development at ACMI Properties, which is the firm leading the buildout of Exploration Park. The developments will go to assist both governmental and commercial space missions.
“This project is moving expeditiously, and we’re thrilled to sign such an innovative partner in KBR, reflecting our shared commitment to building the essential infrastructure of tomorrow for the next generation of space innovators and explorers," Shewmaker said.
It will also explore solutions for harsh Earth environments where food security, lifecycle management and performance optimization are needed.
Quote of note
Mark Kavanaugh, KBR president of defense, intel and space, said in the news release the facility will serve as a “critical resource for NASA and its providers” in the area of food for space-related missions.
“Our commitment to fulfilling and exceeding all human performance needs—including behavioral health and performance—will be at the forefront of this endeavor and will provide a level of integration across all pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight mission phases that serves a multitude of mission models, durations, and complexities,” he said in the release.
How we got here
Exploration Park at Johnson Space Center is a 200-acre research and manufacturing hub expected to be largely built out by 2026, Community Impact previously reported. Chicago-based Real estate company JLL is leading leasing efforts and has brought in companies like KBR to join the development.
Texas A&M’s $200 million Space Institute, which is the cornerstone project of the development, was the first project to break ground at the site last November. It will feature the world’s largest climate-controlled lunar scape and Mars scape, Community Impact previously reported.
All facilities will be purpose-built by The American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation, or ACMI.
