No, KBR is not part of NASA in the sense of being an internal agency division or a government entity. Instead, KBR functions as a significant contractor that provides extensive support services to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This relationship highlights a common model where government agencies leverage private sector expertise and resources to achieve their mission objectives.
KBR's Role as a NASA Contractor
KBR has a long-standing history of contributing to space exploration and operations. For over 60 years, the company has offered mission-critical space support services to various clients, including civil, military, and commercial entities. Its relationship with NASA is a prime example of this support.
Key aspects of KBR's involvement with NASA include:
- Extensive Operations: KBR currently operates at nine different NASA locations, indicating a deep and widespread integration into various aspects of NASA's work.
- Human Spaceflight Support: KBR is recognized as one of the world's largest organizations supporting human spaceflight. This demonstrates its critical role in ensuring the safety and success of crewed missions.
- Top Contractor Status: KBR has been awarded the title of "Top Contractor" at multiple NASA centers. This designation underscores the quality and importance of the services it provides.
KBR's support encompasses a broad range of highly specialized services, from engineering and logistics to research and operational support, all vital for NASA's continued success in space exploration and scientific discovery. While they work closely together and KBR personnel are often embedded within NASA facilities, their relationship remains that of a client and its service provider.
For more details on KBR's contributions to space missions and its recognition as a leading contractor, you can refer to information available on the KBR website.
