Boeing will continue to provide checkout, assembly and payload processing services (CAPPS) to Nasa, under a $156.5m contract extension and modification.

Nasa space shuttle payload processing, the International Space Station and other launch vehicle programmes will receive management and technical support from Boeing under the contract.

Services and support include planning for and receiving payloads, maintaining associated ground support systems, integrating payloads with the space shuttle and supporting space shuttle launches and post-landing payload activities.

Boeing is also responsible for processing payloads that ensure the final assembly of and provision of critical spares for the International Space Station.

The modified contract is the second and final CAPPS option spanning from 1 October 2009 through 30 September 2012.

The total potential value of the CAPPS contract is approximately $824m.