NASA’s Langley Research Center awarded Aerojet a five-year contract to develop technology for a rocket-powered landing system for NASA’s Crew Exploration Vehicle.

The landing system will reduce the downward velocity and sideways motion of the vehicle to provide a soft and controlled landing for astronauts returning to Earth.

Under the contract, which could be valued at up to $4.3 million, Aerojet will provide consulting services and controllable thrust expertise to NASA during the first phase of the contract. The contract includes options for fabrication, system development and demonstration tests at the Langley facility.