NASA extends bioastronautics contract

HOUSTON, July 3 (UPI) -- NASA has exercised a $294 million option to extend a bioastronautics contract with Wyle Laboratories Inc. of Houston.

The extension supports the Space Life Sciences Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center to 2011.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said Wyle also supports the International Space Station, space shuttle Constellation and the Human Research programs at Johnson; the Kennedy Space Center's programs in Florida; and NASA projects at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

The contract extension is valued at $479 million, with two options. The option NASA is exercising extends the contract to April 30, 2011. A second option, if exercised, would extend the contract to April 30, 2013. Should both options be exercised, the total potential value of the contract would be $973 million.