NASA, Lockheed and White Sands
The collaboration between NASA and Lockheed Martin for operations at White Sands Missile Range presents an intriguing case study in strategic alliances that bridge aerospace, defense, and military sectors. This partnership, though seemingly at odds with the primary objectives and organizational cultures of the involved entities, underscores a complex interplay of interests within the realms of national defense and space exploration. Adding my personal dimension, from my own experiences with UFO sightings and the Beings, detailed on the homepage, contrast starkly with NASA’s publicly stated knowledge of UFO and Alien Beings.
From a perplexing standpoint, NASA’s decision to contract Lockheed Martin for support at White Sands might seem baffling. Here’s why this pairing is puzzling:
Mismatch in Primary Objectives: NASA, known for its space exploration and aeronautical research, typically operates within its own domain of space-related missions. Teaming up with Lockheed Martin, a company primarily associated with defense and military technologies, for activities at White Sands – a military testing ground – seems like a mix of mismatched interests and fields.
Contrast in Organizational Cultures: NASA, as a civilian space agency, and Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor, operate under different organizational cultures and mandates. This divergence could lead to potential conflicts in approach and methodology, making their collaboration at White Sands an odd combination.
The Unusual Choice of White Sands: White Sands Missile Range, under the U.S. Army’s purview, is primarily a military testing site, not typically associated with civilian space missions. NASA’s decision to conduct operations there, with Lockheed Martin’s support, deviates from its usual choice of more space-focused facilities, adding to the peculiarity of the situation.
The Overlap of Roles: One might question the necessity of Lockheed Martin’s involvement, given NASA’s extensive expertise and resources in aerospace technology. The overlap in capabilities raises questions about why NASA would need Lockheed Martin’s assistance at White Sands, a site seemingly more suited to military than space endeavors.
Confusion in Public-Private Partnership: The collaboration between a public entity like NASA and a private defense contractor like Lockheed Martin in a military environment like White Sands blurs the traditional boundaries of space exploration and defense. This crossover could lead to confusion regarding the objectives and transparency of such a partnership.
Here are historical contracts that were signed and appeared on the NASA website.
Feb. 6, 1978 78-007 — NASA SIGNS CONTRACT WITH LOCKHEED FOR WHITE SANDS SUPPORT
Dec. 8, 1978 78-056 — JSC AWARDS SUPPORT CONTRACT TO LOCKHEED
Jan. 29, 1979 79-005 — NASA EXTENDS LOCKHEED WHITE SAND CONTRACT
March 5, 1980 80-014 — NASA EXTENDS LOCKHEED WHITE SANDS CONTRACT
Overall, these contracts and their extensions indicate a continuing relationship between NASA and Lockheed, centered around the operations and support of the White Sands Test Facility during that period. These extensions suggest that Lockheed’s services were satisfactory and needed beyond the original contract period. Contract extensions are common in government contracts, especially when ongoing projects require continuous support.
The Johnson Space Center (JSC) managing another contract with Lockheed could indicate an expansion or a different aspect of the support required at White Sands, perhaps related to specific projects or additional capabilities.
In essence, the agreement between NASA and Lockheed Martin for support at White Sands strikes as an unconventional and confusing alliance, combining distinct realms of aerospace, defense, and military in a manner that doesn’t immediately align with NASA’s typical mission profile or Lockheed Martin’s defense-oriented expertise.
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), nestled in the southern part of New Mexico in the United States, is a historically significant military testing area, especially renowned for its extensive involvement in rocket and missile development. Geographically, WSMR is situated in the Tularosa Basin, nestled between the San Andres and Sacramento mountain ranges, covering parts of five counties in southern New Mexico. This expansive range, which spans approximately 3,200 square miles, ranks among the largest military installations in the United States.
Originally established as the White Sands Proving Ground on July 9, 1945, WSMR’s history is intertwined with pivotal moments in world history, notably the Trinity test. Conducted on July 16, 1945, this test marked the first detonation of an atomic bomb, signaling the dawn of the atomic age. Over the years, the range has evolved from a modest missile testing site to a major center for the United States’ missile and space activities.
White Sands has played an integral role in testing a diverse array of weaponry, particularly focusing on rockets and missiles, including the post-World War II V-2 rocket and the Patriot missile. Its contributions to the U.S. space program are significant, having been used for missile launches, satellite tracking, and even space shuttle landings. The range is also a vital site for military training, with various units engaging in maneuvers and live fire exercises.
The range’s scientific and technological contributions are diverse. White Sands has been instrumental in the development of missile defense systems and is a hub for testing advanced military technology. Its role in space exploration, including missile and satellite testing, is notable.
The intricate relationship between NASA and Lockheed Martin at White Sands Missile Range encapsulates the multifaceted nature of governmental contracts and the evolving landscape of space and defense collaborations. These contracts, historical in their essence, reveal a sustained need for Lockheed’s expertise in an environment predominantly oriented towards military testing.
