Agreement Will Keep Jobs in Connecticut

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), along with Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Representative John Larson (CT-1), today praised an agreement between Connecticut-based Hamilton Sundstrand and Oceaneering International that will allow workers in Connecticut to continue producing components for NASA’s space suits.  Hamilton Sundstrand and Oceaneering International have agreed to submit a single bid to NASA for the new Constellation Space Suit System contract.

In the original competition, NASA selected Oceaneering International, a firm that specializes in deep sea diving suits, instead of Hamilton Sundstrand, the company that has manufactured America’s space suits for more than 40 years.  That decision was withdrawn after the NASA Inspector General and Hamilton Sundstrand raised concerns about the fairness of the competition.  Senator Dodd wrote to NASA Administrator Michael Griffin calling for a new competition, a request with which NASA subsequently complied.

“I am pleased that Hamilton Sundstrand workers will continue to play a central role in the design and manufacture of the space suits worn by American astronauts,” said Dodd.  “Since the early days of the Apollo program, Hamilton Sundstrand has consistently produced high quality space suits. Today’s announcement ensures that future astronauts can rely on products produced by the skilled workers of Hamilton Sundstrand.”

“I applaud the positive resolution of the NASA Space Suit competition which is a great benefit to Connecticut,” said Senator Lieberman.  “It is a very good development that Hamilton Sundstrand will be a full partner in producing the next generation Space Suit for the Constellation program.”

Congressman John B. Larson said, “because of the company’s innovation and hard work, Hamilton Sundstrand has played an important role in our nation’s space program for decades.   I am thrilled that with today’s announcement they will continue to be part of this very important endeavor.  While this may not have been the outcome we expected, it is a good decision for the state and for the talented workforce at Hamilton Sundstrand.  With this joint project Connecticut remains the home of innovation and development.”

"We believe this is the best solution for Hamilton Sundstrand, our NASA customer and the American taxpayer,” said Robert F. Leduc, Hamilton Sundstrand president, Flight Systems. "Hamilton Sundstrand is very grateful to Senator Dodd, Senator Lieberman, Congressman Larson, and the entire Connecticut delegation for their support during this process."

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